Ranchi, November 29, 2025 – The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host the opening match of the three-game ODI series between India and South Africa on November 30. The return of star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian lineup after a hiatus has intensified the excitement surrounding the match.
KL Rahul will lead the team, which will be missing key players such as Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah. Both teams have been engaged in rigorous practice sessions to fine-tune their skills ahead of the opening clash. The series is particularly significant as India aims to avenge their recent Test series defeat and solidify their ODI dominance.
The spotlight is firmly on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are returning to action after their recent tour of Australia. The duo's experience and leadership are considered vital for the team, and their inclusion in the series underscores the selectors' confidence in them. Fans eagerly anticipate fireworks from these two icons, who have defined an era of Indian cricket. Visuals from a practice session in Ranchi showed Rohit smashing a six and playfully winking at Kohli, highlighting their camaraderie and competitive spirit.
Historically, ODI encounters between India and South Africa have been closely contested. Out of 58 matches, South Africa has won 30, while India has won 27. India will aim for a dominant 3-0 victory in this series to reinforce its ODI supremacy. The Men in Blue last played a three-match ODI series against South Africa in 2023, winning 2-1.
Ranchi holds a special place in Indian cricket, with India having won three of the six ODIs played at the JSCA Stadium. The venue, home to former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is often considered lucky for the team, and passionate local support is expected to provide an additional boost. The last ODI hosted by Ranchi was in October 2022, when India defeated South Africa by seven wickets.
The ODI series will continue with matches on December 3 in Raipur and December 6 in Visakhapatnam. Beyond the team rivalry, the series also holds personal milestones for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are approaching the highest number of international appearances for Indian players.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test cricket and are now active only in ODIs, making their appearances a major focus for fans and analysts alike. In their last ODI series against Australia, Virat struggled early, recording ducks in the first two matches, while Rohit had a slow start. However, both played pivotal roles in India's win in the third ODI against Australia.
Virat Kohli has an impressive record in Ranchi, scoring 384 runs in five ODIs at an average of 192, including two centuries and one half-century. Rohit Sharma, in contrast, has a more modest record at the venue, with 80 runs in four ODIs.
The series also serves as an audition for the 2027 World Cup, as head coach Gautam Gambhir seeks to stabilize India's white-ball direction.
