SA vs IND, 1st ODI, Preview: Virat Kohli & Co. wish for changed fortunes in colored jersey

The first of the six matches will be played at Kingsmead in Durban.

Published - 31 Jan 2018, 18:18 IST | Updated - 31 Jan 2018, 18:18 IST

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After facing off each other in the exciting and enthralling Test series, India and South Africa are set to lock horns in the six-match ODI series. While the visitors are known to have all the bases covered in the limited overs format, the Proteas thrive on a strong home record even in the coloured clothing. After winning the contest in whites, they would be looking to win the first bout in the One-Day International as well. However, it would not be easy for them as the Men in Blue are a much confident outfit and are looking strong as well.

India are yet to lose ODI series for a long time as they were unbeaten during the long home season last year. They brushed aside the strong teams like England, New Zealand and Australia with utter ease and would be hoping to continue in the same venue in Durban where the first match will be played. Though Virat Kohli and Co. should be aware of the fact that they are yet to win a single ODI at the venue and will have to defy history on Thursday to reign supreme on the hosts.

South Africa, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after having a lid on the visitors in the recently concluded Test series. Despite losing the final match at the Wanderers they should back themselves to trump their opposition and begin the series on a high. Durban is a fortress for them as South Africa have won 30 out of 35 games at the venue. However, they would be knowing that the Indians will pose a stiff challenge in front of him and have the ability to beat them on any day.

Kingsmead is known to dish out flat decks in the 50-over matches and it should be another high-scoring encounter between the two teams. 372 is the highest score at the venue from the home side which they had scored while batting second. Having said that India has registered the lowest total of 91 on this very same ground.

Toss: SA won the toss and elected to bat first

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

South Africa (Playing XI): Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(w), Faf du Plessis(c), Aiden Markram, Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir

Playing Combination

South Africa

The home side was dealt with a severe blow the other day after AB de Villiers was ruled out of the first three ODIs due to the finger injury which he sustained during the Test at the Wanderers. The selectors have opted against naming a replacement for him which means that Khaya Zondo will make his debut. The likes of Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram and Tabraiz Shamsi might have to wait for their chance to come in this series. JP Duminy returns to the set up as he is well within plans of CSA for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in 2019.

India

Men in Blue have a happy headache of choosing from a talented bunch of cricketers who are also in a good space. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma should continue to open despite their shortcomings in the Test series. While the skipper Virat Kohli will bat at first drop, the number 4 conundrum continues to remain a concern for them. Dinesh Karthik is the most likely candidate to slot in for this series at least based on current form. Kedar Jadhav also returns after missing the series against Sri Lanka back home due to an injury.

The bowling attack selects itself with the only question in front of the management is whether to play two spinners. Yuzvendra Chahal should pip Kuldeep Yadav if they decide to go the other way.

Head to Head

Matches – 77 South Africa – 45 India – 29 N/R – 3

Focus will be on

Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

The wicket-keeper batsman of the hosts is under pressure to perform after enduring a mediocre Test series with the bat. Quinton de Kock has a great record against the visitors. He has a special liking to the bowling attack of India having racked up three back to back centuries during their last tour in 2013. He was even key to the fortunes of South Africa in 2015 when they defeated the Men in Blue in the five-match rubber at home. A lot would depend on how de Kock fares in Durban as his yet another ton might well win it for the Proteas.

Rohit Sharma (India)

The Hitman of India is coming off a series win against Sri Lanka under his leadership albeit in home conditions. He has already attracted wide criticism after going through a lean phase in the four-Test innings before being dropped for the final game. Rohit Sharma thrives in the limited-overs format and he would be backing himself to go big in the first game of the series in order to dent the confidence of the hosts. It goes without saying that if he is batting until 40th over, South Africa would be hunting leather.