Following a 2-0 loss in the Test series, India will now face South Africa in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series on home soil. Both sides aim to regain momentum ahead of their upcoming seasonal commitments.
The first ODI between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The match is expected to draw a strong crowd as the home side seeks redemption after the Test series defeat.
The Chennai pitch traditionally favors batters during the early stages of the innings, while spinners tend to gain control as the game progresses. Dew could play a deciding role in the second innings, influencing the choice of whether to bat or bowl first.
India (Predicted XI):
South Africa (Predicted XI):
For India, the spotlight will be on Rohit Sharma’s leadership and Virat Kohli’s consistency in the middle order. South Africa will rely on Quinton de Kock’s top-order aggression and Aiden Markram’s tactical control.
"We are keen to bounce back strongly and play a positive brand of cricket," said India’s captain during a pre-match press briefing.
Author’s summary: India meets South Africa in the first ODI in Chennai, with both teams eager to recover form and leverage spin-friendly conditions for early dominance.