The depleted South Africa team batting woes are further compounded by the absence of injured opener Aiden Markram and their senior-most spinner Keshav Maharaj also ruled out.
Shahbaz Nadeem, who was called up to the squad yesterday evening, has been handed an India Test cap and will make his Test debut for India in Ranchi.
While Virat & Co have so far dominated the visitors in all three aspects of game, it would be a shocker if the Proteas manage to stop team India from making it 3-0 and earn their first points in World Test championship.
Temba Bavuma accompanied skipper Faf for the toss but that didn't change anything as India won the toss again and decided to bat first.
Heinrich Klaasen comes in as the wicket-keeper in South African squad.
Faf du Plessis: It shows that it isn't meant to be. Important toss as this looks the driest surface of the series. It's about the first innings really and we need to put runs on the board when we bat. Hopefully he can put pressure on the Indian bowlers, like what Rohit has done for India.
Virat Kohli: It's a no-brainer to bat first on this one. I don't think it's gonna be slow but it will keep low. Should spin at a decent pace. As long as it turns with pace on the ball, we don't mind the bounce. Just one change - Ishant has been given a break. Shahbaz Nadeem makes his debut. Nadeem is the local boy and it's a dream debut. We'll have to continue to work hard and look to win sessions of cricket. That's the only message I look to pass on.
India's Playing XI:
In: Shahbaz Nadeem
Out: Ishant Sharma
Rohit, Agarwal, Pujara, Kohli (C), Rahane, Saha (WK), Jadeja, Ashwin, Umesh, Shami, Nadeem
South Africa's XI:
IN: Ngidi, Klaasen, Linde, Piedt
OUT: Philander, Markram, Maharaj, Muthusamy
Dean Elgar, Quinton de Kock, Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis(c), Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen(w), George Linde, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi