Did BCCI err by leaving out Pujara and Rahane?

With India’s innings defeat against South Africa in Centurion certain sections of cricket fans have voiced an opinion that test veterans Cheteswar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane could have been considered as prospects in India’s playing 11. "At some point of time you have to play new talents. It happens, there is enormous talent in India and the team has to progress. Pujara and Rahane had enormous success for India, sport doesn't remain with you forever," Ganguly opined on this subject. What do the stats say in this regard? 

Chesteshwar Pujara has scored 535 runs in 19 innings across tests he has played in South Africa at an average of 28.15. These included three fifties and a century. Apart from Australia, Pujara’s average does not extend beyond 30 in any of the overseas countries outside Asia. Furthermore India were on the lookout to develop somebody in the position of Number 3 for tests for the future and hence providing exposure for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill under tough conditions is a move that can be justified. 

Ajinkya Rahane has scored 402 runs in 12 innings across tests he has played in South Africa at an average of 36.55. These included 3 fifties. He averages above 35 in New Zealand, West Indies and Australia as well. Even in England wherein his average is 28.80, he made crucial contributions of 89 and 46 during India’s World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023. Furthermore Shreyas Iyer who has replaced him has a weakness with respect to the short ball which may prove to be detrimental in South Africa that offers a substantial amount of bounce for bowlers. Therefore Rahane could have extended his stint in light of the form that he has shown in recent times.