Rahane, Raina, Rohit, Karthik, Rayudu ... who will it be?

Rohit Sharma is the most gifted Indian batsman of his generation. Desmond Kwande / AFP

India 'A' take on South Africa 'A' in the first of two four-day matches on Saturday. Chitrabhanu Kadalayil looks at five Indian batsmen looking to make an impression on selectors. At stake is a spot in the senior XI touring South Africa in December-January.

Ajinkya Rahane, 25 years old Nineteen centuries, 22 fifties and 5,468 runs at an average of 60.75 show the Mumbai batsman is tried and tested in first-class cricket. He just has not got enough opportunities at the international level. But if he can play his natural, attacking game for India "A", he could be back with the senior squad.

Suresh Raina, 26 Ideal at No 6 with a wealth of international short-form experience, the left-hander is, however, weak against short-pitched bowling, plenty of which will come his way this month. If he can get past that hurdle and bat long hours, he can add to the total of 17 Tests in which he has appeared so far.

Rohit Sharma, 26 The best India batsman of his generation, Rahane's Mumbai teammate is predisposed to throwing his wicket away when set. What he needs to figure out, and quickly, is how to maintain his focus and bat long. If he does he will thrill crowds the world over. If he does not, Test cricket will be denied a genuine talent.

Dinesh Karthik, 28 Had it not been for MS Dhoni, Karthik would most certainly have been India's No 1 wicketkeeper-batsman. In fact, the Tamil Nadu player made his Test debut before the India captain did. Now he is vying to return as a specialist batsman. He has the technique and temperament but lacks consistency.

Ambati Rayudu, 27 Save for the decision to play for the rebel Indian Cricket League – a move that backfired on his career – there is every chance he would have held down a spot in India's order by now. A frighteningly gifted batsman, his batting looks better with every passing year since being given amnesty by the Indian board.