IND vs SA 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Set for Big Test; All Eyes on Rishabh Pant.
The first ODI between India and South Africa will be played in Ranchi. This series will once again see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing together. The series is considered crucial for both teams in the run-up to the ODI World Cup.
Ankush Pandey
Highlights
- The first ODI between India and South Africa is on Sunday.
- All eyes will be on Pant, along with Rohit and Virat.
- Team India will look to avenge their Test series defeat.
The first match of the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa on Sunday will be a tough test for veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. All eyes will be on their performance, and their performance will likely cement their claim to the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit and Kohli are now competing in only one international format, and India only has six ODIs scheduled over the next two months. Three against South Africa and three at home against New Zealand in January. Therefore, this series is crucial for Rohit and Virat. While it may not decide their future for the 2027 World Cup, it will certainly solidify their chances.
It was on this very ground that Rohit Sharma made his mark as an opener.
It's hardly a coincidence that the same ground where Rohit Sharma gained recognition as an opening batsman is now facing the test of fire for the next World Cup. In 2013, it was at this very JSCA Stadium that Rohit Sharma first gained recognition as a full-time opener. Since then, he hasn't looked back. The 38-year-old is once again stepping into Ranchi, this time relying on his bat to put the team back on the winning track and silence his critics with his performance.
Yashasvi to be Rohit's partner
With the injured Shubman Gill out of the team, Rohit Sharma is set to find a new partner in Yashasvi Jaiswal. In his short career, Yashasvi has played only one ODI match. He hasn't found a chance due to the presence of established batsmen in the upper order. Virat Kohli is expected to bat at number three. Tilak Varma will bat at number four, and captain KL Rahul at number five or six. Two out of Pant, Ruturaj and Nitish are certain to play but the team management will take a decision before the match.
Rohit Sharma is certain to open, but the question is who will partner him. Yashasvi Jaiswal is leading the race. He has opened with Rohit in Tests and now, in Gill's absence, his chances in ODIs appear strong. Ruturaj Gaikwad also opens the batting, but his chances appear unlikely.
Virat Kohli is also certain to play at number three, but the problem is finding a batsman at number four. While Iyer's name is confirmed for this position, he is not playing in this series. In such a situation, Tilak Verma could get a chance at this position. Tilak has played at this position in T20s. However, Rishabh Pant could challenge him at this position. Captain Rahul will be at number five. An all-rounder could be given a chance at number six. This could be Nitish Kumar Reddy. His arrival will also provide the team with a bowling option. He could face competition from Washington Sundar here. If Tilak plays, Rishabh Pant could come in at number six.
Who will get the opportunity among the bowlers?
It is certain that India will field two spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack will be led by Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa's Confidence
South Africa will enter the field brimming with confidence after their Test series win and will look to maintain their winning streak. Although the team will miss fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, their performance in the Tests has boosted their morale. Visiting captain Temba Bavuma will have a chance to prove his leadership skills in the ODIs as well. Quinton de Kock's experience and the middle-order of Matthew Bretzke, Dewald Brevis, and Tony de Giorgi will strengthen the batting line-up.
Toss Will Be the Boss
Dew could also be a factor at the JSCA Stadium. After heavy night dew, the team winning the toss has often batted first. Fielding and bowling in the second innings become more challenging, making the toss-winning team an advantage.
The two teams are as follows:
India: KL Rahul (captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Tony de Giorgi, Rubin Hermann, Otniel Bartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenellan Subraiyan.
