India's probable playing XI for 1st ODI against South Africa
After being outclassed in the first two Tests, India bounced back in style to beat South Africa in the third Test, thereby retaining the number one rank in Test cricket. Now the focus shifts to the ODIs, and India will be put to the test yet again, when the action begins on 1st February. Here is India's probable playing XI for the fixture.
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan
India are likely to stick with the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Rohit, in particular, had a tough outing in the Test series, but the moment he puts on coloured clothing, the Mumbai lad is a different man. In ODIs, he effortlessly pummels bowlers out of the park. India will be banking on the duo for a fantastic start.
Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane & Manish Pandey
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli will be India's number three. Kohli was the standout performer in the Test series and will look to carry his form. Rahane, who missed out on the first two Tests, showed his critics why he is one of India's best batsman overseas and should find a spot in the XI. Manish Pandey might also get a chance in 1st ODI.
Ms Dhoni and Hardik Pandya
MS Dhoni will be the man behind the stumps for India. The 36-year-old's wicket-keeping ability is mind-blowing, but his critics claim he has lost his magic with the bat and takes far too long to get going. Dhoni will be looking to shut all these whispers. Since India are expected to play a bowler short, all-rounder Pandya will be India's 5th bowler.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Since spinners hardly fare well on South African pitches, Kohli will opt to have just one spinner in the playing XI and Yuzvendra Chahal is likely to get the nod ahead of Kuldeep Yadav. The leg-spinner was one of the top wicket-takers last year and ended the year with consecutive four-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah
India's pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah will be the ones, who could win India the game. Bhuvi was a constant thorn in South Africa's side in the Test series. Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional in his debut Test campaign and could switch gears when he swaps whites for blue clothing. Shami is also likely to be a part of playing-XI.
