India enter the second ODI in Raipur with momentum firmly on their side after a thrilling 17-run win in Ranchi. Virat Kohli’s majestic 135, his 52nd ODI century, and composed fifties from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul powered India to 349/8 in a pulsating opener.
The duo of Rohit and Kohli once again set the tone with a 136-run partnership after the early exit of Yashasvi Jaiswal, underlining why the spotlight will again be on them in Wednesday’s clash.
Rana: ‘Environment Stays Great When They Are Around’
For India’s younger players, sharing space with two modern greats remains invaluable.
It is a big thing for me, and for the entire team too. If such experienced players are with you in the dressing room and on the field, the environment stays great. Everyone wants to be better. When I am bowling, they always tell me how to bowl better. When a player gets such a great team environment, things automatically go well.
Rana and Arshdeep Singh, who dismantled South Africa’s top order in Ranchi, will again be key as India seek another disciplined showing with the ball.
Younger Batters Under The Spotlight
India will hope for stronger contributions from Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom made quiet returns to ODI cricket. While Gaikwad earned his first ODI appearance in almost two years, he will need to find rhythm quickly in a competitive middle order.
With Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav continuing as the spin pair, India’s attack looks settled, even as questions linger over late-overs batting and mid-overs control with the ball.
Proteas Show Fight, But Need More
Despite being rocked early by Rana and Arshdeep, South Africa’s middle order fought with admirable resilience through Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis. Marco Jansen’s late assault and Corbin Bosch’s fifty took the game into the final over, reminding India that the Proteas remain dangerous.
The biggest boost for the visitors will be the return of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, who missed the opener with illness. His comeback may prompt a reshuffle at the top, though Bavuma stressed that flexibility is the team’s priority.
Where I fit in, generally being in that top three, I’m easy whichever way is best for the team. At the moment, it’s about creating depth. Guys who usually bat at the top have been used in the middle. A guy like Breetzke sees himself as a top-order player, but he is doing that job more than well at No.4.
Bowling Improvements A Must For South Africa
The Proteas’ attack struggled for control in Ranchi, especially through the middle overs. Prenelan Subrayen endured a tough outing, increasing the case for bringing in Keshav Maharaj for experience and tighter spells. The fast bowlers too will aim for better execution after leaking runs at key junctures.
To stay alive in the series, South Africa must find a way to halt the Rohit–Kohli axis, a task that has defined many of their recent ODI losses to India. To stay alive in the series, South Africa must find a way to halt the Rohit–Kohli axis — a task that has defined many of their recent ODI losses to India.
Probable playing XIs: India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (capt, wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (capt), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman
