India vs South Africa 1st ODI Match Prediction, Preview, Players to Watch Out, Pitch Report, Head to Head Records

The three matches ODI series India vs South Africa kicks off at Jsca International Stadium  Complex in Ranchi on 30 November , After lossing the test series 2-0 , India eager to bounce back in ODI Format Meanwhile, South Africa, full of confidence from their Test success, will look to carry their momentum also in white ball format.

India enters the ODI series with several major injuries. Regular captain Shubman Gill is out with a neck injury, and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also unavailable due to abdominal issues. Kl Rahul will lead the side.The key fast-bowling pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj is missing and All rounder Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel as well.

The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is a huge boost. Kohli has a brilliant record against South Africa, scoring 1,504 ODI runs at an average of 65.39. His record at Ranchi is even better 384 runs in four innings ,Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to open with Rohit in Gill  absence, this is great opportunity for Jaiswal .KL Rahul is expected to take the number five slot. The series will be a major opportunity for young prospects , Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to play at number 4 , because he have  been form Against South Africa -A in ODi  made 210 runs in 3 innings  Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant may at number six ,

In bowling  attack relies heavily on the spin combination of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yada ,who will be crucial on a slow Ranchi track. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana pace duo expected play in first game.

On the other side South Africa Temba Bavuma returns to lead a South African side that is high on confidence following their dominant Test victory.Quinton de Kock, Bavuma Temba Bavuma, and Aiden Markram form the experienced core of the batting lineup at top. While Matthew Breetzkee at number four, while Ryan Rickelton expected to play at 5 .Exciting young player Dewald Brevis who add firepower at lower order.

In Bowling Kagiso Rabada is unavailable, so Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Nandre Burger will handle most of the pace workload. Jansen was outstanding in the Tests and will be a major threat again. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen will play a big role on this surface.

India vs South Head to Head Records in ODIs 

Total matches played : 94

India won : 40

South Africa won : 51

No Results : 3

Pitch Report 

The JSCA International Stadium  usually  offers balanced surface  but slightly slow. Fast bowlers get some bounce and movement with the new ball, but after the first few overs, the pitch becomes slower.  spinners play crucial role at during middle overs and  also a bit slow, The average first-innings score here is around 235–265, Out of nine ODIs, teams chasing have won five matches, dew comes into play under lights, teams winning the toss and decided to bowl first.

Probable playing XIs 

India

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rishabh pant (wk), Kl Rahul (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, kuldeep yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana

South Africa

Quenton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Adam Markram, Matthew Breetzkee, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

Players to Watch Out 

Virat Kohli :  He has an outstanding ODI record against South Africa, scoring 1,504 runs in 31 matches at an average of 65.39, including five centuries. He also loves batting in Ranchi, where he averages an incredible 96, This makes him India most important player with the bat.

Kuldeep yadav: has a brilliant record against South Africa 27 wickets in 13 innings at an average of just 16.51. The slow surface will suit his wrist spin , ability to take wickets in middle overs makes him crucial for the team.

Quinton de Kock:  is the biggest batting threat. He has scored 1,077 runs in 20 ODIs against India at an average of 53.85, including six hundreds. His strong record makes him crucial at the top.

Match Prediction 

India are Favourites because of their home condition advantage with strong batting lineup, if South Africa bowling clicks then it could be close contest.