“You have to give them time and make them feel comfortable. There’s no added pressure from my side,” he said. Despite the challenges, Rahul expressed confidence in the ability of the newcomers to adapt quickly to the South African conditions and perform well in the series.
India enters the ODI series with confidence, following their impressive 106-run victory against South Africa at the same venue. The series holds significance as it marks the arrival of a fresh line of players and will help in building up towards the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
For KL Rahul himself, it is an opportunity to secure the ODI captaincy for a longer duration with a successful outcome. While players like Rahul, Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer have already showcased their skills, others like Rinku Singh, Rajat Patidar, and Sai Sudarshan will be eager to prove themselves and secure a place in India’s white ball scheme of things.
The absence of key players from both teams presents an opportunity for these young talents to shine. India will rely on bowlers like Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh to lead the pace department in the absence of senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal will play a crucial role, especially after the Johannesburg pitch showed a leaning towards spin in the recent T20I.
India vs South Africa 1st ODI Match Timings
The first match at of India vs South Africa ODI series will start at 1:30 pm IST.
SA vs IND Johannesburg pitch report
Johannesburg has been a high-scoring ODI venue, especially seen from the context of recent matches. Three of the last four games were a 00-plus first-innings totals. But the Wanderers surface showed a rather unexpected leaning towards spin in the third T20I on Thursday and India have Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal in the ranks. Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have terrific record against the Proteas.
Johannesburg weather report
According to Weather.com, it is going to be a partly cloudy, pPartly sunny but comfortable day in Johannesburg.
Where to watch
Live stream: Disney+Hotstar, Telecast: Star Sports Network
SA vs IND Fantasy 11 Prediction
Indian team management would be eager to give Rinku Singh to make a debut after his performance in the T20 series. Rajat Patidar, and Bhardwaj Sai Sudarshan have been doing well in the domestic circuit. Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh will shoulder the pace attack in the absence of Bumrah, Siraj and Shami. Off-spinner Washington Sundar could be also in contention given his skills with the bat.
For South Africa, left arm quick Nandre Burger could be making his ODI debut and if the pitch is expected to provide turn, spinners or Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could be in the squad.
India (probable): Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan/Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (capt & wk), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
South Africa (probable) Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (capt), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams/Tabraiz Shamsi
The Squads:
India: KL Rahul (Captain, wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (Captain), 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, Lizaad Williams.
