1st ODI: Will Pant miss out as Ruturaj steps in while South Africa chooses to bowl first against India?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling start to the ODI series, South Africa won the toss and will bowl first against India. This match presents an excellent opportunity for India to evaluate their squad's depth while South Africa aims to solidify their momentum. With key players absent, both teams are set for an exciting clash at the JSCA International Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first.
- India is missing key players due to injuries.
- KL Rahul leads India, while Aiden Markram captains South Africa.
- The match will test India's squad depth.
- Both teams are looking to establish dominance in the series.
Ranchi, Nov 30 (NationPress) - In the opening ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first against India.
The South African team enters this match looking to maintain the positive momentum they built during the Test series, whereas the Indian squad is eager to address doubts regarding their capabilities in white-ball formats. With injuries necessitating adjustments, this presents India with an unexpected chance to evaluate their squad depth in the 50-over game.
Although India's batting lineup has remained largely consistent, they will have to manage without Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, leading to new team combinations. Their last ODI in Australia showcased the star power of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who continue to be the focal points for the team in this format, and the spotlight will undoubtedly be on them throughout the series.
On the other hand, South Africa aims to pose significant challenges for India. Despite their recent defeat in the ODI series against Pakistan, the return of key players strengthens their lineup.
With Gill out due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata, KL Rahul takes charge as the Indian captain, while Aiden Markram steps in as South Africa's captain in place of the rested Temba Bavuma.
After winning the toss, Markram discussed the team's strategy: “We have considered the dew factor at night, which should facilitate batting. The team is in a good mood, filled with energy and enthusiasm. This series is crucial as we prepare for the 2027 World Cup, and we are facing one of the top teams globally. We have opted for one spinner, Subrayen, while I will contribute too - Temba and Maharaj are rested, and we have four seamers today.”
India's captain Rahul expressed a preference for bowling first as well. Discussing the mindset heading into the game, he stated, “Our preparations have been solid, and the atmosphere is vibrant with many players returning. We aim to enjoy our time on the field. This is a valuable chance to test our skills against a formidable opponent. Our lineup features three spinners and three pace bowlers today.”
Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman
Point of View
It’s crucial to highlight the evolving narrative of this ODI series. With injuries reshaping the Indian squad, this match becomes a pivotal moment for them to showcase their depth. South Africa’s return to form adds another layer of excitement, making this a must-watch matchup for cricket fans.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the first ODI?
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Which players are missing from the Indian team?
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are sidelined due to injuries.
Who is captaining India in this match?
KL Rahul is leading the Indian team in this ODI.
What is the significance of this series for both teams?
This series is crucial for India to address white-ball concerns, while South Africa aims to build on their Test momentum.
Who is captaining South Africa in the first ODI?
Aiden Markram is captaining South Africa in place of Temba Bavuma.
