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Summary:
India and South Africa are set to begin their three-match ODI series on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. India is looking to bounce back after a disappointing Test series. Key players like Shubman Gill (injured) are out, leading to potential changes in the Indian playing XI. KL Rahul will captain the side. Yashasvi Jaiswal may open with Rohit Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad could replace the injured Shreyas Iyer. Rishabh Pant’s place in the team is uncertain due to the need for all-rounders. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, will field a strong team with the return of Quinton de Kock. The Ranchi pitch is typically slow, and dew could play a significant role in the match’s outcome. The head-to-head record in ODI series between the two nations stands at 5-5.
News Article:
India and South Africa Clash in First ODI, Rahul Captains After Test Series Defeat
Ranchi, India – Team India is gearing up to face South Africa in the first of three One Day Internationals on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The match follows India’s recent Test series loss to the Proteas, adding pressure to the home side to perform well in the limited-overs format.
The Indian squad faces immediate challenges as Shubman Gill has been ruled out due to injury. KL Rahul will captain the team and is expected to make adjustments to the batting order. Yashasvi Jaiswal is in contention to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, while Ruturaj Gaikwad may fill the void left by the injured Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.
The composition of the final XI remains uncertain, particularly regarding the inclusion of wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant. Rahul praised Pant in a pre-match press conference but did not confirm his selection, with team balance and the potential inclusion of all-rounders potentially influencing the decision.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, will look to capitalize on India’s vulnerabilities. The return of Quinton de Kock strengthens their batting lineup. The Proteas’ pace attack, featuring Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Burger, could pose a threat on the Ranchi pitch.
The Ranchi pitch is known to be slow, potentially favoring spin bowlers. Dew is also expected to play a factor, influencing the decision to bat or bowl first.
The match is set to begin at 1:30 PM IST. Fans eagerly await to see how both sides start in this series.
Possible India XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (C/WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
Possible South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
First Piper 