In the inaugural match of the three-game ODI series held in Ranchi, South Africa’s interim captain Aiden Markram won the crucial toss and elected to field first against India on Sunday. This decision marks India’s 19th consecutive lost toss in international cricket.
South Africa’s strategy appears influenced by anticipated dew conditions later in the evening, which typically favor chasing teams in day-night matches. The Proteas have implemented significant roster changes, resting regular captain Temba Bavuma and left-arm spinner Keshav Mahraj following their recent 2-0 Test series victory against the same opponents.
India, under the leadership of stand-in captain Lokesh Rahul due to Shubman Gill’s injury, fields a formidable lineup including white-ball specialists Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The home team has opted for a balanced bowling attack featuring three spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav—complemented by pace bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and debutant Harshit Rana.
South Africa’s playing XI features only one specialist spinner, Prenelan Subrayen, supported by four seamers in what appears to be a strategy to challenge India’s powerful batting lineup. Both teams have made calculated selections aiming to gain early advantage in the limited-overs contest.