India vs South Africa Prediction, 1st ODI – Who will win today’s match between IND vs SA?

After a shambolic whitewashing in the Tests, Team India (IND) will now shift their focus to the 1st ODI against South Africa (SA) at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. This series will see India's star pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in action after their successful outing in Australia.

India lost their last ODI series against Australia by a 1-2 margin, which was played Down Under. However, the biggest positive was the form of Rohit Sharma, as he was also named the Player of the Series for showing brilliant form throughout the three matches. As Shubman Gill is injured, KL Rahul will be leading the team, whereas Rishabh Pant will be handling the duties as wicketkeeper.

South Africa, on the contrary, have had a similar story when it comes to their previous One-Day International series, which happened in an away tour against Pakistan. The visitors had lost two out of the three games. However, the squad will look to start afresh and pose a challenge to the Indians following their recent performances in the red-ball leg of the tour.

Match Details

JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi — Pitch Report

The surface at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi offers a very balanced wicket, and offers an added advantage to the bowlers. The outfield here usually has been on the slower side, meaning batters have to find gaps with precision and power to get full value for their runs. The only 300-plus total came at this venue back in 2019 when Australia faced India. Hence, the team winning the toss and restricting the opposition batters under 300 could be a decider at this venue today as well.

IND vs SA: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

IND vs SA — Predicted Playing 11s

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

IND vs SA — Probable Top Performers of the match

Probable Best Batter — Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli started the series against Australia with a string of ducks against Australia, but ended the series with a bang, smashing an unbeaten 74 in a memorable run-chase. He will be expected to show similar run of form in the upcoming series as well, and letting his bat do the talking is the only way he knows to play his cricket. Kohli currently has the most centuries (51) in the format, but he certainly won't mind extending the record. The run-machine is expected to have an amazing outing with the bat in Ranchi as well.

Probable Best Bowler — Keshav Maharaj

If there is one spinner who can trouble the Indians in the upcoming match, it is going to be the left-arm orthodox bowler Keshav Maharaj. For the skills as well as the experience that Maharaj has, he is expected to generate some help out of the surface — either with his variation, or with the turn that Ranchi offers. Be it stemming the flow of runs or getting crucial breakthroughs, Maharaj is the most experienced bowler the Proteas boast in their line-up, and he is guaranteed to have a day to remember.

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.