India vs South Africa Match Preview- 1st ODI, 2023

India takes on South Africa in the first ODI in Johannesburg on December 17. The match starts at 1.30 pm IST, which is 10 am local time. The Men in Blue leveled the T20I series under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy at the same venue.

Johannesburg kicks off the first ODI. The second and third ODI will be played in Gqeberha (December 19) and Paarl (December 21) respectively. In the absence of the senior players, the KL Rahul-led team is expected to be tested.

Playing in South Africa has been always a challenge for the Indian cricket team. This time around rain has played its part in making the contest a spoilsport. The match starts at 10 am local time on Sunday with inclement weather on the cards. There is a forecast of rain on Sunday along with thunderstorms expected.

Meanwhile, the Indian team is without their senior players and even the regular coach. Head coach Rahul Dravid is set to miss this series as he is willing to concentrate on winning the Test series which is part of the World Test Championship. Sitanshu Kotak will be the head coach of the side along with his NCA support staff.

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India under KL Rahul’s captaincy were whitewashed in the ODI series when India toured South Africa in the 2021-22 season. This time around, KL Rahul who has more than a job on his hands than just captaincy will be tested.

India vs South Africa Match Preview- 1st ODI, 2023

India

The senior players continue to be rested for this series. Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson were recalled back into the squad. Ravindra Jadeja too is rested. Axar Patel who was rested from the T20Is is called back for the ODIs. Thus the squad announced for the three-match ODI squad has plenty of players who have been recalled into the squad.

Rinku Singh and Rajat Patidar has received maiden ODI call-ups. Meanwhile, in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, the seam attack looks inexperienced. In this scenario, the likes of Yuzi, Kuldeep, and Axar will have a big role to play.

India Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w/c), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep

South Africa

South Africa are also without their regular skipper Temba Bavuma who last played for them in the World Cup. Quinton de Kock has retired from ODI and Testy cricket which opens up an opening slot at the top of the order. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Northe, and Lungi Ngidi are not available for the ODIs. Rabada as per reports is uncertain for the Tests as well.

Thus with key players missing the batting onus will be on skipper Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasesn. Bowling wise Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi continue to be the seasoned spinners. Nandre Burge and Ottniel Baartman who were named for the T20Is have been retained for the ODIs. There are a few fresh faces as well.

South Africa Squad: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Wiaan Mulder, Ottniel Baartman, Mihlali Mpongwana, Kyle Verreynne

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