[WATCH]- Indian Players Share Light Moments During Photoshoot Before IND vs SA 2025 Opener

Team India cricketers were spotted enjoying themselves during a promotional photoshoot in their jerseys ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which kicks off on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi. In a light-hearted moment, when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was asked to flash a big smile, he joked that he had only just woken up.

Following a disappointing 2-0 drubbing in the Test series, the Men in Blue will be eager to turn things around in the 50-over format. Their confidence has been boosted by the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket. The experienced duo will aim to continue their strong form from the recent tour of Australia.

Rohit signed off with an unbeaten 121, while Kohli scored an unbeaten 74, guiding India to a nine-wicket win in Sydney, although the visitors ultimately lost the series 2-1. Watch the clip uploaded by the BCCI showing a photographer asking Pant to smile more, and the 28-year-old quips in return:

“Arey bhaiya so kar uth kar aaya hoon” (I just woke up brother).

Lights 💡
Camera 📸
Action 🎬

A fun BTS sneak peek as #TeamIndia gets ready for the #INDvSA ODI series opener in Ranchi 🥳@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/JK2IdsxnJ8

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2025

Whether the wicketkeeper-batter will feature in the first ODI is still uncertain, as he is among the options for the No. 4 slot. Notably, Pant has not appeared in a 50-over international match since July 2024. If the southpaw does make the playing XI, he will be eager to score some valuable runs and regain form after a disappointing Test series against the Proteas.

Men in Blue Have Won Their Last Two ODI Series Against The Proteas

India have clinched their last two ODI series against South Africa, one on home soil and the other away. The Men in Blue secured a 2-1 victory over the Proteas in 2022 in India and repeated the 2-1 result during their tour of South Africa in late 2023.

For the upcoming series, however, they will be without regular captain Shubman Gill, who is recovering from a neck injury. KL Rahul will take over the leadership duties. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has also been ruled out due to injury, while fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah have been given a rest.

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