India vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Preview, Dream11 and more
Hosts India will lock horns with South Africa in the first of three-ODI series at Dharamsala on March 12. The dejected Indian side will be eyeing a turnaround following the completion of a dreadful New Zealand tour. South Africa will fancy their chances, having routed Australia 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series. Here is the match preview.
Pitch report, conditions, timing and TV listing
The match will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. The picturesque stadium located in Dharamsala is usually shrouded with a strong breeze. Fast bowlers garner plenty of movement at the deck here, while the short boundaries also assist the batsmen. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network. The match will start at 1:30 PM IST.
Pandya and Dhawan likely to make a comeback
Hardik Pandya's much-awaited return will likely set the tone for India. The stylish all-rounder, who was out of action due to a prolonged lower back injury, put up a spectacular show in the DY Patil T20 Cup. The ODI series also sees the comeback of Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the blues. Skipper Virat Kohli would want to start afresh against the Proteas.
India's 15-member squad for South Africa ODIs
A look at the Indian squad to face South Africa: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Virat Kohli (captain), KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill.
Janneman Malan was added in the Proteas squad
Batsman Janneman Malan was the latest addition to South Africa's squad for the upcoming ODI series against India. The right-handed batsman was not a part of South Africa's squad initially, which was announced last Monday. However, a 139-ball 129 against Australia in the second ODI fetched him a spot in the squad. Temba Bavuma also made a return after recovering from his hamstring niggle.
India's record in home ODIs against South Africa
India were handed a 2-3 series defeat, the last time South Africa visited the country for a bilateral ODI series (in 2015). Notably, this is South Africa's only series win on the Indian soil across six series. Four of them have been won by India. Overall, India have clinched 12 wins out of 21 ODIs against South Africa at home, having lost nine.
Dream11: KL Rahul and Heinrich Klaasen get leadership nod
Wicket-keeper: KL Rahul Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Heinrich Klaasen, Faf du Plessis All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, JJ Smuts Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav, Keshav Maharaj Captain: KL Rahul Vice-captain: Heinrich Klaasen
