South Africa will lock horns against India in the first ODI of the three-match series at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Sunday. In the absence of some big names from both teams, it will be a perfect opportunity for the young players to grab their chances at the top level.
We look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form for South Africa: L W L W W
South Africa was at their best in the World Cup, especially with the bat and they will aim to continue the good show. However, the Proteas had suffered a huge loss of 243 runs against India in the ODI showpiece. But now they will take on India in a different setting altogether and they will aim to make the most of their conditions.
Current form for India: L W W W W
India ticked all the right boxes in the World Cup but could not cross the final hurdle against Australia. This series will be a perfect opportunity for the Indian team to test their bench strength. KL Rahul will aim to get the best out of the young players in difficult conditions.
Head to Head: Matches: 91, Won by South Africa: 50, Won by India: 38, NR: 3.
South Africa holds the advantage in H2H against India.
Players to look out for: KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh will hold the key for India.
Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Lizaad Williams, and Keshav Maharaj will be the crucial players for the Proteas.
India’s squad for ODIs: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.
South Africa ODI squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.
