ODIs India Squad vs SA
Team India will square off against South Africa in a three-match ODI series following the Test matches. Rohit Sharma is likely to be fit for the series and is expected to kick off his full-time ODI captaincy stint in SA. Before the team announcement, here's a look at India's likely 15-member squad for the South Africa ODIs
The South African tour of India got off to a positive start for the visiting team, as they finished the first day with a score of 272/3. Aside from the Kuala Lumpur Rahul century, Ajinkya Rahane's return to form was one of the most significant highlights of the first day of Centurion's trial. Team India has to do a total of 3 Tests and most ODIs in the round.
As the testing series continues, members of the ODI team will be arriving in Rainbow Country next week. The three ODI matches in the series will take place on January 19, 21, and 23. As BCCI prepares to announce the series' ODI team, here's a look at the potential 15-player Team India lineup:
Openers
Rohit Sharma is likely to open the operation in South Africa alongside his longtime colleague, Shekhar Dhawan. Dhawan has now lost his place in the T20I but did well in the ODI format in 2021. He also led India's team in six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka and is set to tour South Africa.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is ready to be rewarded for his bravery in the 2021 FIFA World Cup and Vijay Hazari Cup. The right-hander won the Orange Cup in IPL 2021 with 635 points. He scored 603 runs in just 5 matches in the Vijay Hazar Cup. His novel included 4 centuries.
Middle-order
Former captain Virat Kohli has confirmed his readiness for the ODI series at Presser and will be put on top of Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer and is expected to hit both players. The Chosen Ones announced a squad of 15 men. KL Rahul is now reaching middle-ranking in the ODIs and will continue to hold the second position.
All-rounders
Like Ruturaj, Venkatesh Iyer has also submitted his IPL form in national cricket and is set to make his way to the ODI team. The 27-year-old scored 379 points in 6 matches and took 9 wickets for Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazari Cup. It covers two and a half centuries.
If fit, Axar Patel is a strong contender to be included in the team, while Shardul Thakur is now also a regular member of Team India.
Bowlers
Jaspreet Bumrah will lead a speed attack that is likely to include Bhoveneshwar Kumar and Muhammad Shami. Harshal Patel and Deepak Shahar can be included in the list of reserve players. Chahar is already on the waiting list for the ongoing series of auditions.
R Ashwin, who has not played in an ODI since 2017, is said to be returning. According to Cricbuzz, Ashwin will likely be rewarded in the form of his own T20I. Yosvendra Chahal must retain her place in the team.
Team India's likely 15-member team for South Africa ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav/Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal
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