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NEW DELHI: The South Africa tour of India moves to Jharkhand as the hosts gear up to kick off the limited-overs leg of the series with the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. India will look to start on a strong note in the three-match series, while the Proteas will aim to carry forward the momentum from their historic Test series triumph.
For India, this series marks the return of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are now confined to white-ball cricket. Both players face a high-stakes few games, as their performances could influence selection and roles for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also READ: India look for a strong start as Kohli-Rohit step up for South Africa challenge
Key Players to Watch (India)
Rohit Sharma enters the series on the back of a century in his last outing against Australia in Sydney, looking to anchor India’s batting at the top. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, recovered from two consecutive ducks in Australia to score a valuable half-century in the same match, bringing experience and composure to the middle order.
Kuldeep Yadav will be a crucial factor in the spin department, with his clever variations and tactical approach expected to challenge South Africa’s middle order and provide control in the middle overs.
Key Players to Watch (South Africa)
Temba Bavuma will aim to continue his dominance as a skipper in white-ball cricket after the historic Test series win in India, leading from the front in the middle order. Marco Janssen, who troubled Indian batters with sensational form in the recent Test series, will look to replicate the same impact with the ball in the ODI format.
Quinton de Kock, returning from retirement, has already shown glimpses of brilliance in the Pakistan series and is expected to provide a solid start at the top of the order.
India Predicted Playing XI
KL Rahul (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa Predicted Playing XI
Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger
Match Overview: India vs South Africa, 1st ODI
Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Venue: JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
Pitch Report
The Ranchi track is expected to offer a good balance between bat and ball. Early sessions should favour the fast bowlers with some movement and bounce, while the surface is likely to assist spinners as the innings progress. Batting could be easier in the middle overs, providing opportunities for set batters to accelerate.
Weather Report
The forecast predicts clear skies for the day, with temperatures ranging between 18°C in the morning and 29°C in the afternoon. Humidity is expected to be moderate, and rain is unlikely to interfere, ensuring a full 50-over game.
Live Streaming Details
Fans can catch all the action from the India vs South Africa 1st ODI on the Star Sports Network on TV. Digital viewers can stream the match live on the JioHotstar app and website.
