ODI World Cup 2023: BCCI chief Roger Binny and India head coach Rahul Dravid ring bell at Eden Gardens to start IND-SA clash

Amidst the gusto and excitement of Virat Kohli's birthday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Roger Binny, along with Team India head coach, Rahul Dravid, announced the commencement of the ODI World Cup 2023 game between India and South Africa by ringing the iconic bell at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata. Notably, the Proteas have been in red-hot form in the marquee event, while the Indian team has remained invincible so far. Meanwhile, speaking of the much-awaited game, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma, won the toss and chose to bat first.

The decision seemed correct after the captain led from the front along with his partner Shubman Gill and gave the hosts a blazing start. Though Sharma was looking in ominous touch, South African speedster Kagiso Rabada ensured that his team did not suffer more as he put a stop to his power-hitting carnage. Interestingly enough, it was on the fifth ball of the fourth over, that Tabrez Shamsi dropped a catch to give life to Sharma but he failed to punish the bowlers ahead.

The Mumbai-based batter played a fiery knock of 40 runs off just 24 balls with six boundaries and two sixes, respectively. However, by the time Bavuma took the important catch of Rohit, Team India were already putting pressure by putting 62 runs on the board within the first six overs.

Team India remain unchanged, South Africa playing two spinners in Eden Gardens game

Speaking of the team combinations in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 encounter, Team India have fielded the same playing XI which played against New Zealand. While South Africa have taken a bold call to leave out Gerald Coetzee and play the left-arm willy leg spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. In the same vein, the former Protea captain, Faf du Plessis opined that his countrymen have taken a very brave decision to play two spinners while he seemed a bit unsure about the move.

When it comes to the ODI World Cup points table, Team India have remained in Midas touch as they have remained unbeatable with seven consecutive wins in as many games, while South Africa too have won seven games barring the massive upset they suffered against the Netherlands in Dharamsala. Fascinatingly enough, the hosts were only beaten by the Proteas in the last edition of the ODI World Cup, which was played at home in 2011.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table