Ranchi ODI: SA elect to field; Jaiswal, Gaikwad included
What's the story
India and South Africa are squaring off in the opener of their three-match ODI series at Ranchi's JSCA International Stadium Complex. After a disappointing Test series whitewash, Team India is looking to bounce back. Meanwhile, SA aim to extend their winning streak on this tour. While Temba Bavuma has been rested, SA's stand-in captain Aiden Markram has won the toss and elected to field.
Team combination
Jaiswal to open in place of Gill
Rohit Sharma has got a new opening partner in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal, as Shubman Gill is out injured. While India have tried a new No. 4 in Ruturaj Gaikwad, there is no place for Rishabh Pant. The three pacers are Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna. Meanwhile, Markram is leading SA in place of Bavuma, who has been rested.
Playing XIs
Have a look at Playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (captain and wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna. South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, and Ottneil Baartman.
Details
Pitch report and streaming details
The pitch at the JSCA International Stadium Complex is expected to be balanced with an edge for bowlers. The outfield is usually slow, making it difficult for batters to score freely. Spinners are likely to play a major role in the middle overs. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioHotstar app/website (1:30pm IST).
Record
A look at head-to-head record
As per ESPNcricinfo, the two teams have clashed 94 times in ODIs. India have collected 40 wins to South Africa's 51 (NR: 3). On Indian soil, the two teams have met 32 times, with India winning 18 (L14). Since 2006, India and South Africa have played 10 bilateral ODI series against each other with an even scoreline of 5-5.
Performers
Here are the top performers
Virat Kohli has scored a whopping 1,504 ODI runs against SA at an average of 65.39. Known for his versatility, KL Rahul averages over 55 while batting at four and five in the format. Matthew Breetzke averages a stunning 67.75 after nine ODI games. Quinton de Kock has returned with 1,077 runs against India at an average of 53.85.