The 1st ODI between India and South Africa will be played on Sunday, November 30, at 1:30 PM (IST) at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. This match marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India look to bounce back after their Test whitewash.
Match Details (Quick Info):
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Match: India vs South Africa, 1st ODI
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Date & Time: Sunday, November 30, 1:30 PM (IST)
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Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
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Broadcast: JioStar Network (TV)
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Live Streaming: JioHotstar (India), SuperSport App (South Africa), Willow App (USA), SkyGo (UK), StarHub TV+ (Singapore)
Match Overview
After a disappointing Test series where India were whitewashed, the hosts will be desperate to make a strong comeback in the limited-overs format. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli boosts the squad’s experience and confidence, especially with Shubman Gill ruled out due to injury. KL Rahul will lead the team, while Rishabh Pant resumes wicketkeeping duties.
India lost their last ODI series 1-2 in Australia but Rohit Sharma’s explosive form was the biggest positive, earning him the Player of the Series award. With the ODI World Cup cycle beginning again, India will use this series to rebuild momentum.
South Africa arrive with similar baggage, having lost their previous ODI series 1-2 to Pakistan. However, their impressive fight in the Test matches earlier on this tour gives them confidence. They have a fresh squad with a mix of young performers like Dewald Brevis and experienced names like Quinton de Kock and Keshav Maharaj. Temba Bavuma will once again guide the Proteas as captain.
Head-to-Head (ODIs)
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Total Matches: 94
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India Wins: 40
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South Africa Wins: 51
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No Result/Tied: 3
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First ODI Meeting: 10 November 1991 (India won)
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Last ODI Meeting: 21 December 2023 (India won)
South Africa still hold the overall advantage, but India have dominated the recent contests, winning key series both home and away.
Pitch Report – JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
The Ranchi surface provides a balanced contest between bat and ball. Bowlers, especially spinners, get extra grip and variation because of the slightly dry nature of the wicket. The outfield is known to be slow, so timing alone doesn’t guarantee boundaries — batters need power and placement. Only one 300-plus score has ever been recorded here, which suggests that controlling the game with the ball is more effective. Teams winning the toss often prefer bowling first.
Probable Playing XIs
India
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa
Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (India)
After a tough start to the previous series, Kohli finished strongly with an unbeaten 74. He holds the record for the most ODI centuries (51) and would be eager to extend it on a batting-friendly but challenging Ranchi pitch.
Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
Maharaj’s experience and ability to control the middle overs make him South Africa’s biggest weapon. With the pitch offering turn, he can trouble India’s middle order and break crucial partnerships.
Probable Scenarios
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The team bowling first is likely to get more early assistance from the pitch.
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A score between 260–280 could be competitive due to the slow outfield.
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Spinners from both sides may dominate the middle overs.
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If dew sets in, chasing could become easier later in the evening.
Match Prediction
With Rohit, Kohli, and Rahul back in the mix, India start as favourites. The home conditions, a strong batting line-up, and quality spin attack give them an upper hand. South Africa will rely heavily on Bavuma, de Kock, and Maharaj to stay competitive. However, the team bowling first is expected to have a greater chance of winning.
Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match.