12,272 runs in 188 Tests combined with numerous match-winning and match-saving knocks, Chetshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have become “Pu-rane” (old). Instead, India Cricket Team are looking forward. And the selectors have identified who could become the long-term successors of the two stalwarts of Indian Test cricket. Shubman Gill seems to be the ideal No 3 choice while Shreyas Iyer has been designated to be the natural successor of Rahane at No 5. And the India vs South Africa series will mark the official beginning.
What made both Rahane and Pujara great was their temperament in tough overseas conditions. India will dearly miss their contributions away from home. But with every cycle ending, there is a new beginning and Gill-Iyer will write a new chapter, at least they are expected to.
So far, both Gill and Iyer have had a shaky start to Test career. Immensely successful in white-ball cricket, it is in whites where they have to prove their mettle. And there is no better beginning than the India vs South Africa series. As India have never won a Test series in South Africa, it becomes the most challenging series. As selectors are not ready to look back at Pujara & Rahane, Shubman Gill & Shreyas Iyer at No 3 & 5 in India vs South Africa series will face a litmus test.
Why India vs South Africa crucial for Gill-Iyer?
India vs South Africa is a short two-match series with just four innings to impress selectors and the team management. With Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan waiting in the wings to take up No 3 and No 5 slots, both Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have to shine in India vs South Africa series.
Even though Gaikwad is injured, he is likely to be fit by the India vs England series, and failure in South Africa for both Iyer and Gill could prove costly.
| Player | Inn | Runs | Avg | 50/100 |
| Shubman Gill | 15 | 392 | 30.15 | 2/0 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 2 | 34 | 17.00 | 0/0 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 83 | 2928 | 38.52 | 16/6 |
| Cheteshwar Pujara | 86 | 2680 | 31.90 | 14/5 |
Even Though Shubman Gill has been India’s go-to opener across formats, he will have to negotiate with a new position in Test cricket. And this time, the reason is not KL Rahul. Instead, it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal. And that’s where Shubman Gill needs to drop down. However, instead of the expected No 5 role, Gautam Gambhir wants him to continue at No 3 spot, vacated by Cheteshwar Pujara. And he wants Shreyas Iyer to continue at No 5, where Ajinkya Rahane cemented.
For India vs South Africa Boxing Day Test, Gautam Gambhir and Sanjay Manjrekar have both picked Shubman Gill at No 3 and Shreyas Iyer at No 5. But should they fail and should Rahane-Pujara succeed in the Ranji Trophy, things could change quickly in the India vs England series.
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