IND vs SA 2025: 'Better watch out' - Former cricketer fires huge warning for India despite Ranchi win

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has directed a strong warning to the Indian team after their win in the first ODI of the series against South Africa. The Men in Blue emerged victorious by 17 runs at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on November 30 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Gavaskar said that he he enjoyed the Proteas fightback as they took the contest till the end despite losing three top-order batters early on in the chase. Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock departed for ducks while skipper Aiden Markram scored only 7 off 15.

At 11/3, it seemed as if the South Africans would fold for a paltry total. However, they fought back and came ever so close on winning the high-scoring encounter as three South Africa batters - Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80), Marco Jansen (70 off 39) and Corbin Bosch (67 off 51) - registered half-centuries, with the match going down the wire.

"South Africa's fightback was fantastic to watch. Right till the end, till the last over, it was a question of touch and go, and you have got to admire the way that despite them being in dire straits, three wickets down for 11 runs. The way they have fought back, India better watch out for the next two games," stated Gavaskar in a post-match show on Star Sports.

India had posted 349/8 in their allotted 50-over quota on the back of Virat Kohli's 135 off 120, which comprised 11 fours and seven sixes. Barring Prenelan Subrayen, all four bowlers chipped in with two wickets apiece.

The next two ODIs will be played in Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6). The Indian team is coming on the back of a whitewash in the Test series, and will be keen to improve their performance in the white-ball leg of the series.