It’s time once again to return to ODIs. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — two top scorers of World Cup 2023 — absent, India Cricket Team will look at youngsters to showcase their talent in the IND vs SA ODI series. With nothing at stake, the series is just an obligation. However, for someone like Rinku Singh or Sai Sudharshan, this is the best platform to prove their mettle. As for someone like Sanju Samson, it’s once again a fight to make it to the India Playing XI. India vs South Africa 1st ODI is on Sunday and Team India once again have a selection headache.
With the addition of Sai Sudharshan and Rinku Singh, India would hope to see them perform. Whether they make the India Playing XI now or a match later is the question.
There is a spot in the opening slot and No 4/5. It’s now up to Rahul Dravid and KL Rahul to decide who they back.
IND vs SA 1st ODI: What to expect?
- While Ruturaj Gaikwad is all set to open, India will have to take a call on his partner.
- Sai Sudharshan, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are three options to choose from. It is possible that India hand Sai Sudharshan his debut to open with Gaikwad.
- At No 3, Shreyas Iyer will be back. He was in great form in the World Cup and will look to continue the run of form.
- With no Virat Kohli, KL Rahul is likely to promote himself to No 4, opening the spot at No 5 in India Playing XI.
- India have Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh for the No 5 & 6 slots. Only one can make it.
- There is a possibility that both Rinku and Sanju play at the expense of Tilak Varma in India Playing XI. In that case, Rajat Patidar may have to wait.
- As for No 7 slot, Axar Patel is the first choice. After missing out on the World Cup, he would hope to make a mark in ODIs once again.
- India have a dilemma with the second spinner’s slot. Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the three options.
- While Kuldeep Yadav has been in fine form, Yuzvendra Chahal has been in and out of the team. Washington Sundar has also rarely got an opportunity. But with limited matches, India could test Chahal again.
- In the pace department, India have only three clear options. With Deepak Chahar still unavailable, India Cricket Team will go with Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan.
Predicted India Playing XI
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (C, wk)
- Sanju Samson
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Mukesh Kumar
- Avesh Khan
- Arshdeep Singh
- India ODI squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar (Unavailable).
