Ranchi witnessed an unusual incident at the toss for the first ODI between India and South Africa on Sunday, as stand-in captain KL Rahul's eagerness caught former India coach Ravi Shastri off guard. The incident occurred at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer absent due to injuries, Rahul is leading the Men in Blue in this three-match series. India are aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 0-2 defeat in the Test series against South Africa.
As is customary, Ravi Shastri was conducting the pre-match proceedings at the toss. After welcoming Aiden Markram, the South African captain, Shastri began his usual introduction. "The two captains – KL Rahul for India, Aiden Markram of South Africa," Shastri announced. However, before Shastri could complete his sentence, Rahul attempted to spin the coin.
Shastri, seemingly surprised by Rahul's haste, interjected with a playful reminder: "You've got to hang on, KL". Rahul responded with a smile and paused, allowing Shastri to complete the formalities. Despite the minor hiccup, the toss proceeded, with Markram calling correctly and electing to field first. Rahul gestured towards the Indian team indicating that it was their turn to bat even before Markram could officially announce his decision.
"We would have bowled first as well," Rahul admitted after the toss. He emphasized the team's focus on utilizing every opportunity in the ODI format and challenging themselves against a strong South African side. Rahul also confirmed the team's composition, including three spinners and three fast bowlers.
Markram explained his decision to field first, citing the expectation of dew later in the evening, which would make batting easier in the second innings. He acknowledged the importance of the series in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup.
The weather forecast for the match in Ranchi is promising, with clear conditions expected throughout the afternoon and evening. This increases the likelihood of a full 50-over contest.
This ODI series marks the return of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket on Indian soil after 291 days. The series presents an opportunity for India to regain momentum in the 50-over format after losing their previous ODI series to Australia. It also allows head coach Gautam Gambhir to stabilize the narrative and showcase clarity in India's white-ball direction.
Rohit Sharma is close to achieving a world record, needing just three more sixes to become the format's most prolific six-hitter, surpassing Shahid Afridi.
The pitch at the JSCA International Stadium Complex is considered balanced, potentially favoring bowlers. The outfield is known to be slower, requiring batters to find gaps with precision.
