IND vs SA, 1st ODI: Rishabh Pant among top 4 players to miss out

India is all set to play the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on November 30, Sunday. Shubman Gill is already missing the series due to injury and now KL Rahul will be leading the Indian squad. The team has already been under tight scrutiny after losing the Test series against Proteas on home soil and now the Men in Blue will be focused to make a stunning comeback.

This ODI series also marks the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – the two star players who will provide a major boost to India’s batting order with their exceptional experience. Since Shubman Gill is out, Yashavi Jaiswal will be opening with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be coming at number three. On the crucial number four position Ruturaj Gaikwad can be picked. KL Rahul is expected to bat at number five followed by the two all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

The bowling lineup will consist of a pace heavy attack as the pitch tends to provide them support. Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna will be in the pace department while Kuldeep Yadav will be one main spinner for the team.

India’s Predicted Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

Since the weather will remain clear and there is possibility of dew in the evening, the ball will travel smoothly and the teams are likely to bowl first. This will help set a competitive total first as the pitch might become a little slow later on. Overall, Ranchi promises a strategic contest pace early, spin in the middle, and conditions easing up for batters as night falls setting the stage for a gripping ODI opener.