Explained: Why will South Africa team wear pink jerseys against India in 1st ODI?

South Africa is hosting India in an all-format tour. After the 3-match T20I series, they will be playing 3 ODI series. The first match of the ODI series will be played at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. During the first ODI, the hosts will wear a pink colour jersey, as they express their backing for breast cancer awareness, education, detection, and research. This jersey also turns out to be lucky for the side as they have won 9 matches out of their 11. 

Cricket South Africa has invited all the spectators to wear pink shirts and support the effort through ticket buying and attendance at the match. Notably, the costs of the matches will be used to support breast cancer programs. The fans are requested to wear pink regardless of where they are during the game as a show of unity with the squad and commitment to breast cancer awareness.

The first time they wore the jersey was back in 2013 against Pakistan and since then they have been wearing the jersey the Proteas have observed Pink Day when playing ODI matches at home. In 2015 AB de Villiers smashed the fastest ODI hundred. 

We are delighted to once again: Pholetsi Moseki

Cricket South Africa's CEO Pholetsi Moseki said for the upcoming special occasion, "We are delighted to once again raise awareness on breast cancer with cricket fans. To help in the fight against breast cancer, awareness alone is not enough. We encourage people to be proactive and get screened. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer among women in South Africa, but it can affect men as well. Early detection can lead to effective treatment and a positive outcome."

KL Rahul, ODI captain for the South Africa tour, ahead of the first match that the Indian youngsters are not expected to fill in the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. Rahul also stated that he is expected to be batting in the middle order and keeping the wicket as well in the Test series.