South Africa vs India, 1st ODI – Match Prediction

About a month ago, both India and South Africa were in the semifinals of the ODI World Cup 2023 and had a chance to go all the way.

Their dreams were crushed by Australia, who became a sixth-time champion. As we move on, India and South Africa take on each other in the three-match ODI series, starting Sunday at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.

Both teams recently played a three-match T20I series, which ended in a 1-1 draw. It will almost be similar squads with some changes and KL Rahul will lead India in ODIs.

Rahul was the ODI captain on the previous tour of South Africa but the visitors were whitewashed by 3-0 and the wicket-keeper bat will want to avenge that series loss.

Once again, the ODI series will be another opportunity for young players from both teams to grab their chances. With the next ODI World Cup set to be played in the same conditions, India will want to make the most of their experience.

Furthermore, form is going to hold the key in the T20 World Cup selection and thus the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and Mukesh Kumar will aim to continue the good show. Yuzvendra Chahal will make the much-awaited return whereas it will be a crucial opportunity for players like Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson.

Match Prediction: India will enter the contest as slight favorites against South Africa.

India’s squad for ODIs: 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.

South Africa ODI squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.