India is set to face South Africa in the first match of a three-match ODI series in Ranchi on November 30. Following a disappointing whitewash in the Test series, the Indian team is determined to bounce back in a format that they have traditionally excelled in at home. However, the absence of several key players, including captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, and fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, presents a significant challenge.
KL Rahul has taken on the role of stand-in captain for this series, with selectors opting not to recall Rohit Sharma. Alongside Rohit, Virat Kohli will also be returning for the ODIs, and both players will be under close scrutiny following their impressive performance in the previous ODI series in Sydney, where they combined for a match-winning 168-run partnership.
Having lost the Test series, India faces added pressure to deliver a strong performance against a confident South African side that recently achieved a landmark series sweep. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and stand-in captain Rahul will be eager to start on a positive note.
The pitch in Ranchi has shown a balanced record, with pace bowlers taking 39 wickets and spinners 35 in six ODIs played there. Historically, India has won three of these matches, and teams batting first have only triumphed twice in five completed matches. As the day-night encounter approaches, clear weather is expected, along with potential dew affecting play.
With key players sidelined, India can test their bench strength. Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, with Kohli slotted at No. 3. The middle-order remains a puzzle, but Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rishabh Pant are strong candidates to fill the crucial No. 4 and 5 spots, respectively. Gaikwad recently demonstrated his potential by scoring big during his innings for India A against South Africa.
Among the all-rounders, India may choose to field either Washington Sundar or Nitish Reddy alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who returns to the ODI setup after a significant absence. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to play, leveraging his wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs, especially in Bumrah’s absence.
In contrast, South Africa will present a formidable lineup, missing only express pacer Kagiso Rabada. Quinton de Kock, having returned from retirement, is likely to open the batting alongside Ryan Rickelton, with Aiden Markram slated for the No. 3 position. The South African team also boasts a strong lower-middle order with capable players like Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen.
Both teams will be eager to secure a victory, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting series. As India seeks to restore its dominance in ODIs, the upcoming matches offer a valuable opportunity for emerging talent to shine while showcasing seasoned players in critical roles.