India vs South Africa, 2018: 3 players who should be given a chance in the remaining ODIs

The Indian cricket team had a poor start to the South African tour as they had lost the first two tests. However, the team made a splendid comeback in the final test of the series and has continued the momentum in the ODIs.

The spin bowlers have spun a web around the South African batsmen, who have been plagued by injuries. India has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the six match series and this provides the team with an ideal opportunity to try out players who have been warming the bench.

#3) Mohammed Shami

Shami was the pick of Indian bowlers in the 2015 World Cup

Mohammed Shami last played an ODI for India in September 2017 and has played in just 3 ODIs since the last World Cup, in 2015. He was the star bowler for the Indian team in the that World Cup. He has slowly regained his fitness since then and is looking good to go now.

Shami's place has been occupied by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, as they have been brilliant in his absence. Both Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have most likely cemented their place for the 2019 World Cup in England. However, there is a room for a third pacer due to the seaming wickets there.

The UP pacer bowled brilliantly in the tests in South Africa. He has an impressive record in ODIs, having picked up 91 wickets in 50 matches at a brilliant average of 26. He has the opportunity to become the fastest bowler to pick up 100 wickets in the history of cricket.

Shami is an important part of India's World Cup 2019 plan and the 3-0 lead in this series has provided Kohli with an ideal opportunity to test his form and fitness levels, in addition to giving rest to his first choice pacers, who have been bowling continuously in all formats of the game.

#2) Dinesh Karthik

Karthik would look to secure a spot for himself in the middle order

Dinesh Karthik was brought back to the Indian team after a long gap of 3 years for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was made to warm the bench despite him having scored a century in a warm-up match of the tournament.

The keeper-batsman, since his comeback, has played in 8 matches and has scored 183 runs at a splendid average of 61 with two fifties to his name. He was looking very impressive in his comeback stint and was performing brilliantly for Tamil Nadu as well.

India has two spots in the middle order which haven't been filled up by any of the batsmen. Karthik has performed pretty well in those positions but has consistently been let down by the inconsistent team selection. It is time that he is given a long run to prove his ability and cement his place in the side.

#1) Shreyas Iyer

Iyer would hope that his good performance against SL would earn him a chance against SA

Shreyas Iyer made his debut for the Indian team in the series against Sri Lanka and played at the number 3 position as Kohli had been rested for the series. He wasn't picked in the first 3 ODIs against South Africa as Kohli was back in the team.

India has already taken a comfortable lead and this gives the team management an opportunity to try out Iyer in the remaining matches. He was extremely impressive against Sri Lanka where he had scored 2 fifties in the 3 matches he played.

He has an impressive track record in the domestic arena and has the ability to play for the team in the World Cup. This series would be the best chance to test the rookie in foreign conditions.