India’s quest for change their fortunes in the overseas tours commenced on Friday. South Africa won the toss, elected to bat and Bhuvneshwar Kumar destroyed their top order.

However, the biggest surprise came when Virat Kohli stated that the vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane isn’t in the XI. Rahane has been India’s best batsman overseas, but form has dodged him in the recent past.

Rahane managed 49, 0, 45 and 0 for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and flopped against Sri Lanka. While other Indian batsmen feasted on the Lankan bowling, he managed only 17 runs from 5 innings.

2017 was Rahane’s worst year as a batsman. He averaged 34.62. However, Rahane’s overseas average reads 53.44 and it propels to 69.66 in South Africa.

Twitterati was clearly unhappy with Rahane’s exclusion, have a look:

SERIOUSLY guys not done

— yes (@ferventquixotic) January 5, 2018

I agree Rohit Sharma is in smoking form but that still does not, IMHO, warrant dropping Rahane!! #IndvsSA

— Shantanu Kanade (@ssk3107) January 5, 2018

The rise of Rohit Sharma in Indian cricket is acceptable but the fall of Ajinkya Rahane should not be by any means.#INDvSA

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) January 5, 2018

https://twitter.com/BCCI_Men/status/949193845614379008

Rahane’s absence will be felt in the slip cordon too. Remember, India’s record in slips isn’t very good. Best hands dropped. #SAvIND

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 5, 2018

Wow, this Indian team not short of surprises. But they are backing words with actions. Playing the all-rounder and no Rahane is a huge call

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 5, 2018

Rahane dropped. Pandya in, Bumrah debut as 3rd pacer. This is a mad-hoc selection on the face of it. #SAvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 5, 2018