SA vs IND: First ODI Preview: Virat Kohli in focus as India look to continue ODI domination

India will be disappointed that they missed a golden opportunity to win a Test series in South Africa. Having won the first game, they lost the remaining two games to lose the series. Post that, Virat Kohli also stepped down as Test skipper. Coach Rahul Dravid now has a big task of promoting a positive environment in the dressing and an ODI series win will work as a great remedy.

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The ODI squad will see some new regulars and new faces in both teams. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar among others will return for India, while Quinton de Kock, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi will be available for South Africa.

The last time India played a series in South Africa, they thrashed the hosts 5-1 and KL Rahul, who will lead India in absence of Rohit Sharma, will look to emulate the performance. India team does look a lot more promising than South Africa, but they did look a better team in Tests as well but the hosts' never give up attitude help them win a massive series.

Pitch Report 

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The match will be played at Boland Park, Paarl. The surface tends to be a sporting wicket, with something for everyone. The pacers might get the ball to move with the new ball before the wicket becomes flat. Spinners will also have a role to play.

Probable XIs

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marco Jansen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo

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India: Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

South Africa vs India head to head

Played 84, IND Won – 35, SA won – 46, Draw – 3

Match Details

Venue –Boland Park, Paarl

Time – 2:00 PM IST

Where to watch: Star Network