The India vs. South Africa ODI series will shift from Johannesburg to Gqeberha as the Men in Blue aim to secure the three-match series on Tuesday, December 19.
The ODI is scheduled for the same day as the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Dubai. Being a day-night game, the India vs. South Africa match might witness reduced interest due to the simultaneous occurrence of the lucrative league’s mega event.
However, there are compelling reasons to tune into the second ODI. India’s tour of the Rainbow Nation has already delivered numerous memorable moments, including a drawn T20I series and impressive bowling displays in the first ODI.
Here are the three highlights in the upcoming India vs. South Africa second ODI:
#1 Nandre Burger is a promising talent, despite limited returns
Nandre Burger has debuted in both white-ball formats, showcasing promise despite limited wicket-taking success. The left-arm pacer consistently reaches speeds close to 150 kmph, displaying impressive movement in both directions.
In the last game, he was unfortunate not to dismiss Sai Sudharsan, as South Africa chose not to review the umpire’s not-out decision. With key players absent, including Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the 28-year-old Burger stands out as one to watch in the upcoming game.
#2 Will Sai Sudharsan be able to sustain his impactful performance?
Burger wasn’t the sole debutant in the first ODI between India and South Africa. The visitors also awarded a cap to B Sai Sudharsan, marking his debut for the senior side.
Sudharsan made an impressive start, hitting a boundary through cover to open his account and later contributed an unbeaten 55, complementing Shreyas Iyer in a strong second-wicket partnership.
Widely respected, the focus in the second ODI will be on whether Sai Sudharsan can maintain his stellar beginning in international cricket.
#3 Who replaces Shreyas Iyer for India?
Shreyas Iyer, who scored a half-century in the first ODI, will not continue in the series. He has been withdrawn from the squad to focus on the upcoming two-Test rubber for the 2023-25 World Test Championship. India has two options to replace Shreyas—Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh.
The choice between them is yet to be determined, with both players presenting strong cases for inclusion. Patidar, having more ODI experience, is a direct No. 3 replacement for Shreyas, while Rinku, a T20 specialist, has the potential to shine in the 50-over format.
The decision on Shreyas’s replacement will provide insights into the team management’s strategy as they seek to bounce back from the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup final.
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