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Xtra Time Web Desk: Men in blue are all set to lock horns with South Africa in the upcoming series starting with a Test match on 26th December at Centurion. The red ball squad will be led by Virat Kohli and his deputy KL Rahul in the 3 Test match series against the Proteas. Recently, the team was in a turmoil following series of rumors of BCCI stripping Kohli off captaincy. India has never won a Test series on South African soil hence Kohli and Co. will be looking forward to a maiden test series title in the rainbow nation. However, for three senior players in their 30s' who have made it to the squad the upcoming test series could be a do or die situation
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Ajinkya Rahane
Once a reliable batter, in his early 30s' who led the team during men in blue's historic win in Australia earlier this year in January has had a streak of low scores this in 2021 which has upset his fans who now seek for his removal from the squad, the same fans who once demanded Rahane to lead. His removal as deputy should have sounded like a clarion call for him. The South Africa test series are his last straw to prove himself worthy to become the selectors first choice.

Cheteshwar Pujara
The man who stood like a great wall of defense against the world's most powerful balling lineup in the historic Gabba feat has also not been in great knick lately. He is doesn't seem to be the gritty batter he was before who was known for his sterling performance under tremendous pressure whose score gave the team a fresh lease of breath in matches that seemed to go out of hand. The upcoming Proteas Series would be an acid test for the is Saurashtra batter.

Ishant Sharma
The 31y/o fast bowler whose performances in his later years especially is now no where near his best. With BCCI's focus turning on grooming young Pacers, this could be Sharma's last test in the rainbow nation. With the emergence of Mohammed Siraj as a prominent and dependable alternative, Ishant isn't anymore the automatic pick for the team management. In case he fails to prove his mettle and exhibits a dull performance then he must might lose his spot in the squad in the long run.