After losing the test series to 1-2, the Indian Cricket team will take on South Africa in 6 match One-day international series starting from 1st February 2018 at Durban. Like in test series, the Men in Blue does not have a great ODI record in South Africa. They have played 28 matches in Africa winning 5, losing 21 and no result twice. Their best result came in 2010/11 losing the 5 match ODI series 2-3.
South Africa have announced squad for the first 3 matches. It promises to be an exciting between top two teams in the world. Last time in 2013, India lost the three-match ODI series to South Africa 0-2.
Here we look at the top 6 players which would decide the fate of India- South Africa ODI series
- Virat Kohli
The Indian captain had a great ODI in 2017. He was the highest run-getter in 2017 with 1460 runs from 26 matches with an average of 76.84. His top score was 131 with 6 centuries and 7 half centuries. Most of his centuries came in India and against weak teams.
He would play a key role in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. In the recently concluded test series against South Africa, Kohli was the top run-getter with 286 runs. The Indian captain would be eager to guide the Indian batting order. In 2013, he could not score many runs and would like to score big runs helping Men in Blue win matches. Between 2010 and 2017, Kohli has scored 711 runs from 20 matches ( 18 innings) against South Africa with the best score of 138.
- Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock, the dashing left-handed batsman would be eager to continue his brilliant form in the One-day Internationals. He has opened the innings for South Africa and played with positive intent. In the ODI series against India during 2013 tour, de Kock scored 2 back to back centuries putting pressure on the Indian bowling.
He has played 10 One day international matches against India and scored 720 runs with an average of 72. His record is great against India scoring 5 centuries, 1 half century. Quinton de Kock was out of form in the recently concluded test series against India. He would play a key role while opening and if he could give a great start, then South Africa has a chance of winning matches.
- MS Dhoni
The former Indian captain had a decent 2017 in One-day internationals. He played 29 matches ( 22 innings) scoring 788 runs with an average of 60.61. His best score came in the 2nd One day international against England at Cuttack with a brilliant 134. Most of his matches were in home conditions and against Sri Lanka, West Indies.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an important member of the Indian team giving suggestion to Virat Kohli and for his wicketkeeping skills. In the last tour to South Africa, MS Dhoni scored 65 and 19 in the 2 ODI matches. Dhoni would play a vital role in this ODI series with the bat and also while keeping. Despite not having a great record in South African conditions, MS Dhoni would love to continue his good form of 2017 and help India win their first ODI series in South Africa.
- Imran Tahir
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Imran Tahir the top-ranked ODI bowler in 50 over format. He has taken 9 wickets in 8 matches ( 7 innings) from 2013-2017. South Africa would depend on the leg-spinner to pick wickets in the middle overs and also control the run flow of Indian batting line up.
The leg-spinner picked 27 wickets from 17 matches with an economy of 4.62 runs per over. He picked 5 wickets once. If South Africa have to win against India in the upcoming ODI series, Imran Tahir needs to pick wickets if the partnership is going on.
- Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has done well in 50 over format since his debut against West Indies. In the year 2017, the left arm Chinamen bowler picked a total of 22 wickets from 14 matches ( 12 innings) including a hat-trick against Australia at Kolkata with an economy of 4.88.
This ODI series would be his biggest test outside the subcontinent. He would play a key role to pick wickets in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav played few matches before coming to South Africa. His ability to surprise the opposition batsmen makes him a tough bowler to face. If Yadav could create trouble against South African batsmen, then India can win matches with his variety and be taking wickets.
- Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada the young fast bowler performed well in the recently concluded test series against India. He bowled with pace and troubled the Indian batsmen. He has played in 2 series taking 10 wickets in 6 matches. In the year 2017, Rabada took 27 wickets from 18 matches with an economy of 4.80 runs per over.
South Africa is a dangerous side in their home den. He would play a key role in the ODI series against India. His ability to create bounce and pace makes him a talented bowler. If Rabada can pick early wickets, then South Africa could trouble the Indian batsmen.