Now that Hashim Amla's strode into the sunset, the inevitable question arises: who'll take over the No 3 spot?
In most Test teams, it's owned by the best or the second-best batsman.
With Amla gone, Faf du Plessis now becomes the most experienced middle-order batsman.
He's comfortable at four, leaving Theunis de Bruyn (26), Temba Bavuma (29) and Zubayr Hamza (24) to mull over the first-drop spot.
De Bruyn, who scored a gutsy but futile 101 against Sri Lanka in Colombo last year at No 3, made his intentions clear in regards to where he wants to bat.
"It's three or four, but I'd definitely say three. The responsibility of setting up the match and taking it deep is something I enjoy. What I've learnt of late when playing for the national team is that I'm not a good watcher of a cricket match," De Bruyn said.
"By the time I have to bat at No 7, I'm mentally fatigued and at times, I've stopped watching so I can be fresh when I bat.
"When you bat at three, you can also come in second ball. It's exciting and the butterflies are still fresh. Hopefully I'll get an opportunity to bat at three like I did against Sri Lanka."
The trio will most probably play in the three Tests that take place in Vishakhapatnam, Pune and Ranchi.
Interim Proteas team director Enoch Nkwe has faith in these players, even though Amla's successful 13-year tenure will be difficult to replicate overnight.
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"De Bruyn's improvement in all formats has been impressive. Some might say his form hasn't been good, but if you look at how he batted in the subcontinent and how he's matured in different batting positions, whenever he's been needed to step in against spin, he's actually delivered," Nkwe said.
"Him and Temba have done well together and going into the tour, we hope it will work out to the plan we're hoping to execute."
Temba though has proven he can bat in tough conditions around the worl
— Proteas team director Enoch Nkwe
Bavuma's the only one in the three with prior Test experience in India, even though he was pressed into service as an opener. There's also the need to get Bavuma to settle in a specific position, something Nkwe is aware of. Bavuma came into selectorial prominence when he was pushed up to three at the Highveld Lions.
"In the next two months we're going to create stability by backing the guys. You don't want too much flexibility, even though in this environment it's a necessity. Temba though has proven he can bat in tough conditions around the world. He needs to be given peace of mind, told he's the man to do the job, get the responsibility and do it in his own way," Nkwe said.
"I'm hoping that's going to be the way they'll force the issue, but also have the players take responsibility and own their places in the team."
Hamza has delivered for the SA "A" team on a recent tour to India and also made his Test debut earlier this year.
"I've only seen a lot of Hamza in the past year, but I've received reports about his excellence technically and his unflappable nature at the crease. He's also good at making the most of his opportunities and he's similar to Amla a bit where he just goes about his business calmly. He's also someone who can go and secure his long-term spot in the national team," Nkwe said.
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