South Africa chose to chase in the opening ODI in Ranchi, a decision Aiden Markram described as “common sense once you feel the outfield – it’s going to be slippery later on.” India, meanwhile, lost an ODI toss for the 19th match in a row. KL Rahul, their third captain in as many games on this tour, managed a wry smile when the coin fell the other way yet again.
Both sides shuffled personnel. South Africa rested Temba Bavuma, who felt unwell on Saturday, and left out Keshav Maharaj. The space created by Bavuma’s absence allowed them to fit in both left-handers at the top: Ryan Rickelton partners Quinton de Kock. Markram and off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen are the only specialist spin options. Three seamers – Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger and Ottneil Baartman – provide the pace.
India made a slightly bolder selection call than usual. Harshit Rana, capable of proper lower-order hitting, lines up at No. 8 ahead of three out-and-out bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. Nitish Kumar Reddy sits out so the balance tilts towards two spin-all-rounders in Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.
Washington is listed at five, effectively moving captain Rahul down to six. The management hope that switch lengthens both batting and bowling without forcing Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma into positional compromises. “Expect Rohit, Kohli to do well in home series,” former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim said on television, backing the senior pair to find rhythm despite the constant chopping and changing above and below them.
Conditions matter here. Dew generally rolls in by the 25-over mark; chasing sides have won eight of the last ten night games at this venue. The surface itself is dry but patchy, so the new ball could skid while the older one grips.
Playing XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (capt, wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman.
Key points in brief
• 19th consecutive ODI toss lost by India.
• Bavuma (unwell) and Maharaj rested; Markram leads.
• Gaikwad’s first ODI since July; India deepen bowling by pushing Rana to eight.
• Heavy dew expected, which influenced South Africa’s call to field.
The match begins at 1.30 pm local time; by sunset we should know whether that long run of lost tosses hurts India again or merely provides another talking point.
