SA vs IND: 1st ODI Preview: India start as favourites but count out South Africa at your own peril

After an enthralling Test series, India and South Africa are all set to lock horns in a three-match ODI series. Virat Kohli will be in focus in the series. This is Kohli's first series as a batter after he was removed as ODI captain. KL Rahul will lead the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Kohli has been going through a lean patch but with the pressure of leading a team off his back, we might see the Kohli of old. The last time Kohli played an ODI series in South Africa, he scored over 500 runs. The Indian team will see several new and old faces return to the squad. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar among others will be available for selection.

Meanwhile, South Africa will also see some regulars like David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi and Quinton de Kock return to the team. South Africa have struggled against big teams in this format of late, and the series is a massive challenge for them. However, they punched above their weight and shocked India in the Test series and will be looking to do the same in ODIs as well.

Pitch Report 

The match will be played at Boland Park, Paarl. The wicket should be a sporting wicket, with something in it for batters and bowlers. The pacers will enjoy the new ball, that is expected to move a bit. However, the consistent pace and bounce will help the batters. Spinners will also have a role to play.

Probable XIs

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marco Jansen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

South Africa vs India head to head

Played 84, IND Won – 35, SA won – 46, Draw – 3

Match Details

Venue –Boland Park, Paarl

Time – 2:00 PM IST

Where to watch: Star Network