Ranchi, November 30, 2025 - India's misfortune with the coin toss continued today as South Africa won the toss and elected to field first in the opening One Day International (ODI) at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. This match marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian squad for a home international after a gap of nearly 10 months.
Aiden Markram, South Africa's stand-in captain, cited the anticipated evening dew as a key factor influencing his decision to bowl first. He anticipates that batting conditions will become more favorable later in the evening. Markram also noted the positive atmosphere within the South African dressing room. KL Rahul, who is captaining the Indian side in the absence of Shubman Gill, admitted that he would have also preferred to bowl first, keeping the potential impact of dew in mind.
The toss result adds to a worrying trend for the Indian side, who have struggled to win tosses consistently in recent times. While the toss is only one aspect of the game, it can provide a significant advantage, particularly in conditions where dew is a factor.
This ODI series is particularly significant for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players now primarily focused on the 50-over format, these matches provide them with an opportunity to solidify their positions in the team, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. Their experience and form will be crucial for India's chances in the series.
Rohit Sharma is also on the verge of a personal milestone, needing just three sixes to surpass Shahid Afridi's record for the most sixes in ODI history.
India has made some changes to their lineup, with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. The team is without key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shubman Gill. KL Rahul will lead the side in Gill's absence. The Indian XI includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa, fresh off a 2-0 Test series victory against India, will be aiming to carry their momentum into the ODI series. Their playing XI includes Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, and Ottneil Baartman. Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj have been rested for this match.
This match marks a significant occasion as Rohit and Kohli return to play on home soil after a considerable gap. The last time Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played an international match was against England in the ODI series in February 2025. Fans will be eager to see them perform well and contribute to India's success.
The first ODI between India and South Africa is being played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST and is being broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
