India is gearing up for the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday, filled with a blend of assurance and uncertainty. The team carries confidence forward from a 17-run victory in the first match of the series in Ranchi, powered by a remarkable 52nd ODI century from Virat Kohli and a quickfire 57 from Rohit Sharma. However, off-field chatter regarding potential differences with head coach Gautam Gambhir looms over the team, raising questions about the dynamics within the squad.
Kohli and Sharma’s performances are not just about securing wins; they are also crucial in their bid to secure spots in the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa. The duo has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes, including a decisive nine-wicket victory against Australia in Sydney last month. Despite their standout performances, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir have kept their cards close to their chest regarding their participation in the World Cup, hinting at underlying tensions.
On the field, India’s lineup appears to be unsettled. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a reliable performer in List A matches, was shifted from his usual opening position to No. 4 but struggled to find his rhythm. Stand-in captain KL Rahul proved to be stable at No. 6, while Washington Sundar, who has been subject to various batting roles, faced difficulties batting at No. 5 before being dismissed during a slower phase of play. His bowling contribution was also limited, with only three overs for 18 runs.
Harshit Rana emerged as a threat with two early wickets using the new ball, although he eventually leaked runs later in the innings. The ICC’s rule permitting just one ball to be used from the 34th over onwards adds an extra challenge for bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav made a significant impact with his variations, achieving figures of 4 for 68, which played a pivotal role in the match.
South Africa displayed commendable resilience during their innings after stumbling to 11 for 3. Marco Jansen launched a fierce counterattack with a quick 70 runs off just 39 balls, and Matthew Breetzke made an impressive debut with 72 runs. Their tail-enders, led by Corbin Bosch, provided a challenging finish that brought India close to the edge before falling short.
The South African side was missing regular captain Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, both of whom were rested following their historic Test series victory. Their anticipated return in Raipur adds an intriguing element to the upcoming match.
Raipur is relatively new territory for the Indian team; their previous ODI here in January 2023 ended in a dominant victory against New Zealand, while they also claimed a win in a T20I against Australia in December 2023. As the team prepares for this crucial encounter, fans are hopeful for a continuation of their winning momentum.