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NEW DELHI: India step into the three match ODI series against South Africa on Sunday with several selection questions still unresolved, even as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return for what could be an early audition that shapes their 2027 World Cup prospects.

Both Rohit and Kohli now feature in just one international format. With India set to play only six ODIs over the next two months — three against South Africa and three at home versus New Zealand — these games carry unusual weight for two of the biggest names in Indian cricket.

Their performances may not decide their 2027 future outright, but this marks the beginning of a high stakes phase that could either extend their careers or bring clarity to an approaching transition.

Also READ: BCCI to hold meeting on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future

A slice of symbolism

It was at this JSCA Stadium back in 2013 that Rohit Sharma was first backed as a full time opener — a turning point that reshaped his white ball career and India’s 50 over approach.

More than ten years later he returns to Ranchi in search of another kind of reset as India look to regroup after the home Test series defeat.

The ODI leg also arrives in the backdrop of the T20 World Cup next year, a tournament that will inevitably guide selection strategy.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir is also under scrutiny, even though his position is secure with a contract that runs till the 2027 World Cup. His selections and tactical calls came under criticism after the Test setback, making this ODI series an important chance to steady the narrative and chart a clearer direction in India’s white ball plans.

While the T20 World Cup will remain at the forefront, Gambhir will still aim to restore balance here by widening the pool, assessing evolving roles and identifying players who can offer consistency across formats.

Unsettled batting order

India’s XI remains fluid with several seniors missing.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer continue to recover from injuries.

Their absence weakens the combination and forces stand in captain KL Rahul and Gambhir to reshuffle roles.

The middle order presents its own set of questions. The management must weigh Washington Sundar’s all round value against the power hitting ability of Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Tilak Varma is another strong option for extended opportunities. It is also unclear whether Rishabh Pant can fit into the XI if KL Rahul chooses to keep wicket.

The staff want to use this series to look at fringe options, build cross format depth and help senior players regain rhythm without loading them unnecessarily.

The bowlers — Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav — will be tested in death overs and middle overs roles usually led by Bumrah.

Confident Proteas, a dangerous proposition

South Africa arrive with confidence after their Test series victory and will hope to carry that momentum into a format where their new core has been inconsistent.

Even without Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the visitors believe that the poise gained in red ball cricket can reflect in their white ball performances in conditions that again demand adaptability.

For captain Temba Bavuma, this ODI leg offers a chance to underline their progress in the format.

The absence of senior pacers means added responsibility for Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger, while Keshav Maharaj will be central to middle overs control on slowing pitches.

The batting group appears settled with Quinton de Kock’s experience, Bavuma’s stability and the energy of Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis and Tony de Zorzi in the middle.

With the Test win still fresh, the Proteas will hope that familiarity with conditions and their growing calm in pressure phases help them compete strongly again.

The Squads:

India: KL Rahul (C), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.

Match starts at 1:30PM.

(With PTI Inputs)