South Africa vs India, 2nd ODI - India Predicted XI

After having lost the Test series against South Africa, many had seen team India enter the limited overs competition as the underdogs on the tour. But the way the first ODI unfolded at Durban, the hosts are now aware of the threats that the Indian team can come up with. The Men in Blue romped home in style in Durban to nose ahead with a 1-0 lead in the series.

Riding on their skipper Virat Kohli’s masterclass century, the Indian team chased down the South African total with ease. He was very well supported by Ajinkya Rahane in the run chase. Earlier in the game, the Indian bowlers – Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav – had proved that the spinners can play a major role in the series despite the odds being against them.

On the other hand, the Proteas camp struggled big time and their woes have only added up ever since. Their skipper Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the match and that comes as a big blow to side. Despite the fact that the opposition camp is dented, team India will certainly not take the opposiion lightly in the second ODI at Centurion. They will try to field their best eleven for the game on Sunday.

Here is the India Predicted XI for the Centurion ODI:

Openers (Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma)

During the Test series, if there was a department that had struggled big time for the Indian team, then it was the opening slot. However, with the white ball cricket coming up, Indian openers looked solid in Durban. Both the openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, looked in good touch and had given India a brisk start in the match. Rohit’s pull shot in to the stands early on in the innings spoke volumes about his talent.

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan had looked solid during his stay at the crease. His promising start was cut short due a run out. It was unfortunate for him to be run out and giving away his wicket whilst responding to Kohli’s call. Leaving all thoughts behind, Indian openers would want to leave a mark in the Centurion ODI.

Middle-order (Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Kedar Jadhav)

The Indian middle-order looks very sorted after the first game. Well, in all fairness, it can be admitted that it is too early to give a verdict on the same. However, the start has actually been very positive. Over the last few assignments, the Indian team has tried so many options at the number four slot.

But none seemed to have worked in the idealistic way the team wanted. Ajinkya Rahane seems to have thrown his hat ideally for the role now. His 79 in the Durban ODI cements his spot in the team. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli owns the number three spot in the team.

He has been the backbone of the Indian batting lineup. His whirlwind 33rd ODI ton set up India’s win in Durban. At number five, Kedar Jadhav is a handy option. Jadhav is renowned for his big hitting ability. Moreover, he can chip in with some overs as well during the middle overs.

Wicketkeeper (MS Dhoni)

When it comes to wicketkeeping, team India is in safe hands of MS Dhoni. Dhoni is set to feature as the wicketkeeper in the lineup. He hit the winning runs in Durban and would be feeling confident getting in to the next game. Also, his wicketkeeping looked good as ever in the match. Furthermore, his assistance to the bowlers and the tips to the youngsters remain invaluable component of this setup.

All-rounder (Hardik Pandya)

The all-rounder slot is taken by Hardik Pandya. Axar Patel could also be a good option at the slot. But considering the Centurion track and the assistance it gives to the pacers, Hardik will fancy his chances more. He needs to up his game though. He looked like the weak link in India’s bowling in Durban. Also, he needs to chip in with some runs as well.

Spinners (Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal)

The new found spin twins of India – Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal – did enough in the first ODI to retain their places in the side. There have been talks about the Indian team following the horse for courses approach. However, considering the fact that the spin duo bowled exceptionally well in tandem, it is unlikely that either of them will be left out.

As spoken about during the Test series, the Centurion track has bounce and carry for the pacers. However, the match had ended up being a turner of sorts towards the end. More importantly, Indian spinner R Ashwin had a major say in the game. Considering these odds, India would like to go forward with Chahal and Kuldeep in the match.

Pace bowlers (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah)

It is unlikely that the Indian team will tinker with their pace bowling options in the match. Albeit the two pacers in Durban ODI, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, were not at their prime best, the team is still likely to prod ahead with them. Bhuvi had a tough time in the game with the Proteas batsmen taking charge against him.

Meanwhile, Bumrah also did not look great towards the death overs. But both pacers were certainly up to the mark with their skills with the new ball. They did not let Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla get away with quick runs in the match.

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