India Predicted Playing 11: The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa kicks off on Sunday, November 30, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. With Shubman Gill unavailable, KL Rahul steps in as captain, leading a side that still boasts plenty of experience thanks to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Jaiswal Likely to Open
In Gill’s absence, India have two clear choices at the top: Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad. Even though Jaiswal has played just one ODI so far, he’s expected to get the nod ahead of the Chennai Super Kings skipper. He was part of India’s ODI squad in Australia too, but didn’t get a game. Ranchi could finally be his moment.
Kohli Holds No.3, but What About No.4?
Virat Kohli might’ve had a rough patch in the Australia series with back-to-back ducks, but he bounced back with an unbeaten half-century at the SCG. He’ll continue at No.3 without any question marks.
The big debate is over the No.4 spot. With Shreyas Iyer out, India have two contenders-Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma. Interestingly, neither has played an ODI for India in 2025. Since KL Rahul is set to don the gloves, the management might lean towards a specialist batter, which puts Tilak slightly ahead. He also led India A in the recently concluded unofficial ODIs against South Africa A, giving him some useful match-time.
Also Read: IND vs SA 1st ODI: From Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to…Top-5 batter to watch out in Ranchi
Rahul at No.5, India May Go With Three All-Rounders
Rahul is expected to slot in at No.5, forming the middle-order core alongside Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Going with three all-rounders gives India depth and balance, something they relied on heavily in Australia.
Kuldeep Yadav, who played only one ODI on that tour, is likely to feature in all three matches against South Africa. With the Ranchi pitch often assisting spin as the game wears on, he could be a major factor from the very first game.
Rana-Arshdeep Set to Lead the Pace Attack
Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are expected to take charge of the pace department. Prasidh Krishna is part of the squad as well, but it’s unlikely he’ll play ahead of Rana or Arshdeep at this stage unless there’s a last-minute change in the conditions or team strategy.
Predicted Playing 11 of India for 1st ODI
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C & WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
