The JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi is gearing up to host the first fixture of the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa on Sunday (November 30). The visitors arrive with strong momentum after handing India a 2-0 whitewash in the recently concluded Test series.
However, the dynamics in ODIs will be different, especially with the Indian squad boosted by the return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. India’s most recent ODI appearance in Ranchi came on October 9, 2022, coincidentally also against South Africa, with Shikhar Dhawan serving as captain.
After winning the toss, the Proteas opted to bat and posted a competitive score of 278/7 in 50 overs, powered by solid half-centuries from Aiden Markram (79) and Reeza Hendricks (74). A few other South African batters got decent starts but failed to push on, which prevented the side from breaching the 300-run mark.
For India, Mohammed Siraj delivered the standout bowling performance with an excellent spell of 10-1-38-3. India’s run chase began shakily, as the hosts lost both openers — Shikhar Dhawan (13) and Shubman Gill (28), within the powerplay, managing just 48 runs on the board.
However, the innings was revived by a brilliant 161-run stand for the third wicket between Shreyas Iyer (113) and Ishan Kishan (93), which firmly shifted the momentum in India’s favor and set up the pursuit of the target. Kishan narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century, falling seven runs short, while Iyer reached the three-figure mark and stayed unbeaten to seal the victory.
After Kishan’s dismissal, Sanju Samson played a composed supporting role, scoring 30* off 36 deliveries, ensuring there were no further hiccups as India wrapped up the match with a dominant seven-wicket win. For his exceptional century under pressure, Shreyas Iyer was awarded the Player of the Match.
India’s overall performance in ODIs played in Ranchi
India’s record in 50-over cricket at the JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi has been fairly balanced. Out of the six ODIs played at the venue, the home side has emerged victorious in three — defeating England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa in 2013, 2014, and 2022 respectively. They faced two defeats, against New Zealand in 2016 and Australia in 2019, while one fixture in 2013 ended without a result.
After a disappointing and one-sided loss in the Test series, the Indian team will look to bounce back by securing the ODI series title. However, they will have to do so without their regular skipper Shubman Gill, who has been sidelined due to fitness concerns. In his absence, KL Rahul will take charge as captain for the series.
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