After a successful home ODI season in 2017, the Indian Cricket team will take on South Africa in the first match of six matches One-day international series to be played at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban tomorrow.
India’s ODI record in South Africa has been poor losing all 4 bilateral series. After losing the test series 1-2, the Indian team would be looking perform much better in 50 overs format.
Team India has a strong batting line up with Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Rahane as the three openers. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have done a good job as openers. Their biggest challenge would be to play the new ball well. Virat Kohli would come at number 3. It will be a tough fight for number 4 and 5 slots between Sheryas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandey. Sheryas Iyer and Kedar Jadhav would be doing number 4, 5 positions.
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The former Indian captain MS Dhoni would be doing the number 6th position. The all-rounder Hardik Pandya could come at number 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah would be my pacers. Either Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep might play in XI. The other options could be Mohammad Shami or Shardul Thakur.
South Africa has announced the squad for the 3 ODI’s. Their star player AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the first 3 ODI’s due to injury. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock would be my opening pair. Aiden Markram could come at number 3. Their captain Faf du Plessis will create an impact at number 4, Jean-Paul Duminy would come at number 5. David Miller an impact player would come at number 6.
Khaya Zondo could replace AB de Villiers in the playing XI. Chris Morris the all-rounder would making a comeback and would play a key role in XI. Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel or Lungi Ngidi could be the pace bowling department. The leg-spinner Imran Tahir should be lone spinner in the squad.
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It promises to be exciting series between the number 1 and number 2 ODI side in the world. India has in a great form during 2017. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, team India would be looking to begin the ODI series on a winning note under tough conditions. South Africa has 17 matches in successive on their home soil since 1st January 2016. India has lost six matches and no result once at Durban.
India would be looking to perform much better in 50 formats. Both teams are looking prepare for the World Cup 2019 to be held in England.
Probable XI for India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), Sheryas Iyer/ Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni ( WK), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur/Mohammad Shami
Probable XI for South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), JP Duminy, David Miller, Khaya Zondo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel/Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.
