All eyes on batsman Kohli as India and South Africa spat over ODI

Kohli will play his first international in seven years in all forms of captaincy when India face South Africa in the first of three one-day internationals at Boland Park exempt from liability.

All eyes will also be on KL Rahul, who leads India in the ODI series in Rohit Sharma’s absence.

Kohli’s supporters and well-wishers of Indian cricket hope Kohli will put his differences with the BCCI aside for the sake of the team and sizzle with the bat. Rahul is expected to seek advice from Kohli during the series. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah said on the eve of the series that Kohli “will always be the leader of the team.”

With new leadership and support, India will look to win the series at the 2023 World Cup. The last time India played a full ODI series was against England at home in March 2021.

Also read – SA v IND Test series: South Africa’s stunning comeback

Rahul played at a middling level against England but it remains to be seen whether he can get back to the top with Shihhal Dhawan. Ruturaj Gaikwad has come into the squad after a remarkable domestic season and he may have to wait longer to make his ODI debut.

Dhawan’s key series

These three matches will be crucial for the experienced Dhawan, who has already lost his place in T20. The southpaw has thrived under pressure in the past and will be looking to cement his place as a starter when Rohit returns from injury.

Also read – What made India win Test series for the first time in South Africa

Kohli is likely to bat in his usual No. 3 position, while a toss-up between Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer will be for No. 4. Rishabh Pant is expected to be No. 5, while Venkatesh Iyer, who is likely to make his 50 debut as an all-rounder at age 6, showed promise in the T20 against New Zealand.

Two spinners likely to play are Yuzvendra Chahal and R. Ashwin, who are making a comeback after more than four years. Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will share the pace department and management can choose any one of the team’s many fast bowlers as third.

South Africa will be rejoicing after an unforgettable victory in the Test series. Captain Temba Bavuma played a few key innings in the Test and he will maintain his confidence in the ODI series. Quinton de Kock will start his white-ball career after retiring from Test cricket after the series opener against India.

Tall left-arm pacer Marco Jansen had a great run in his maiden Test series and is expected to spell trouble for the Indian batsmen with his extra bounce and short-form changes after he gets his maiden call-up.

If testing is any indication, ODI is going to be an uphill battle.