India's probable Playing XI for first ODI against South Africa

Overview

• The first ODI of the 2025 series between India and South Africa will take place in Ranchi on the 30th of November
• As Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are out of action, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant might get a chance
• Ruturaj Gaikwad and Nitish Kumar Reddy might also make it to the side for the first ODI

The first ODI of the 2025 series between India and South Africa will take place in Ranchi on the 30th of November. As Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are out of action, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant might get a chance. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Nitish Kumar Reddy might also make it to the side for the first ODI.

Rohit Sharma is likely to continue to open the innings. However, due to Gill's absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal might make a return. The Southpaw last featured in ODIs in the series against England. Since then, he has only played in Tests for India. Virat Kohli would bat at 3 and would hope to be consistent.

Also Read: KL Rahul to lead, Jadeja, Gaikwad, and Pant return to India's ODI Squad against South Africa

At Number 4, India might choose one of Rishabh Pant or Ruturaj Gaikwad. There is a good chance of both of them getting a chance. Given that Axar Patel is out of the series, Pant could bat at 5, while Gaikwad might bat in the middle order at 4.

India's bowling attack for the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi

As KL Rahul admitted, he will bat at number 6 as the finisher. India might play Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar as two of its All-rounders. Both of them played in the ODI series against Australia. While Ravindra Jadeja is back in the side, he might not start in the first ODI.

Also Check: KL Rahul opens up on Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad's return to Indian ODI side

India's bowling attack is likely to consist of Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav. Reddy and Sundar might have to take the load of bowling all 10 overs if Gambhir wishes to have two All-rounders. Else, India could go for a proper bowler like Prasidh Krishna as a wicket-taking option.