4th Test, Day 3: Chance for struggling Indian batsmen to step up against Proteas

New Delhi: Ajinkya Rahane's sublime century against South Africa showed a way for batsmen to dictate their terms in the ongoing Test series. India have pocketed the four-match series 2-0 and are on course for their third victory at Feroz Shah Kotla here.

Where the rest of Indian batsmen barring Virat Kohli, struggled to find rhythm, Rahane stood tall to defy the South African bowling. His 127 runs alongside Ravichandran Ashwin's knock of 56 helped India to this series' highest total of 334 runs.

India dismissed South Africa for a paltry 121 runs and have the option of enforcing a follow-on. But most likely Kohli will have a go with the bat once again to give his side's batters another chance with the willow.

In this bowling dictated series, the hosts too faltered in batting as the visitors have continued to stumble. The Delhi pitch looks better than its predecessors, and it showed to have assisted both pace and spin. Rahane, Kolhi and Ashwin's application presented a scenario that runs can be scored with timing and calmness.

India have also been dependent on the lower order to contribute with the bat.

Day 3 of the fourth Test presents an ideal scenario for the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma, to get some necessary runs under their belt. Pujara though has shown flashes of his preciseness after getting some good starts but he hasn't managed to get big scores barring the 77 runs in Mohali.

Shikhar Dhawan's place in the side hangs in balance after a failure throughout the series. The Delhi batsman is showing some fight at the crease and Saturday provides him the platform to go and get some valuable runs. Dhawan has often struggled with his footwork and lack of focus.

Also in the zone is Rohit Sharma who threw away his wicket in the first innings. Rohit's approach towards the South African spinners will be interesting to watch.

A 300 plus score in the first innings will give the side immense confidence and they will hope the batsmen go on to make their knocks count given the ample time left in the game.