India are rarely confronted with doubts about their Test dominance at home, but the past year has brought an unusual shift. Consecutive clean sweeps at the hands of New Zealand and South Africa have raised uncomfortable questions about their red-ball readiness. In that context, the shift to ODI cricket comes as a welcome breather for both players and the coaching group. This is a format where India have looked far more assured, highlighted by their Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.

Even with fewer 50-over games on the calendar, the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli injects a sense of stability and confidence into the squad—a boost they badly need. Rohit and Kohli, who now feature exclusively in ODIs for India, were the backbone of the team in their previous assignment in Australia. Naturally, all eyes will once again gravitate toward them. At this stage of their storied careers, every innings feels like a reminder of what they continue to offer Indian cricket.

Their experience, composure under pressure, and ability to lift the dressing room atmosphere will be invaluable for a side looking to regain rhythm. If the two senior pros can find fluency early in the series, India will fancy their chances of bouncing back strongly. This series also opens the door for India to test their bench strength. With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer unavailable, the team is forced to explore alternatives.

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While fans have been urging the immediate inclusion of Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s batting depth gives them multiple options. Hardik Pandya’s continued absence also presents an opportunity to invest in a seam-bowling allrounder like Nitish Reddy, who could emerge as an important long-term asset.

South Africa, meanwhile, will see this series as a chance to continue their momentum after a strong Test showing. Despite losing their last ODI series in Pakistan, they arrive strengthened by the return of key players. With a T20 World Cup approaching in February, these games offer crucial exposure to subcontinent conditions.

As for the setting, Ranchi promises clear skies for the opener. The venue, which last hosted an ODI three years ago—coincidentally also against South Africa—traditionally delivers low-to-mid scoring contests, adding another tactical layer to an already high-stakes series.

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal, still waiting to build on his lone ODI appearance, is expected to open with Rohit Sharma as India finalise their combinations. With KL Rahul confirming his role at No. 6, the No. 5 spot could go to an allrounder if India want an additional bowling option in Ranchi’s conditions.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Reddy, KL Rahul (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa

Quinton de Kock’s impressive return to ODIs and Aiden Markram’s availability likely push Ryan Rickelton out of the XI. Matthew Breetzke, who has enjoyed a bright start to his ODI journey, will carry significant responsibility in the middle order as the visitors seek stability and early momentum.

Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi