Match preview, team news, JSCA International Stadium pitch report, weather update and predicted XIs

After a crucial defeat against South Africa in the recently concluded Test series where they lost 2-0, India are now shifting their focus to limited-overs formats. The first ODI will take place in Ranchi with the home team keen to get off to a strong start.

KL Rahul will take over the helm as captain in place of regular skipper Shubman Gill, who is out of the ODI series. Gill also missed the second Test in Guwahati due to injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Also, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will not feature in this series as he suffered an injury during the Australia series. However, the Indian team will get a significant boost with the return of key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are set to participate in their first ODI series since the Australia tour. Since both have retired from Test and T20 formats, their primary focus will be to perform well in the ODI series, especially the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.

JSCA International Stadium Complex Field report

Pitches in Ranchi are generally slower, making a high-scoring match unlikely. Chasing teams won five of the nine matches on this field, while three ended in defeat. The average score for teams batting first is only 235, and although a higher total is possible, high scores appear impossible to achieve.

Ranchi Weather Forecast

As winter begins to settle in northern India, Ranchi is experiencing similar conditions. The afternoons are warm with moderate humidity, and temperatures drop as the evening approaches. Rain is not expected in this match.

Where to watch?

The India-South Africa ODIs will be broadcast on Star Sports Network in India and the broadcast rights will be held by JioHotstar.

Team News

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal is looking forward to this chance to expand his single ODI cap. He is likely to open the batting with Rohit but India are faced with decisions regarding the middle-order. Rahul confirmed his position at sixth place; This means an all-rounder could be available at bat five if India opt for the sixth bowling option.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock’s successful return to over-50 cricket and the return of Aiden Markram are expected to keep Ryan Rickelton on the sidelines for now. Matthew Breetzke will need to take on significant responsibility in the middle order after a remarkable start to his ODI career.

Possible 11s

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul(c), Rishabh Pant(wk), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock(wk), Temba Bavuma(c), Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger

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