All eyes on Kohli the batter as India, South Africa tussle in ODIs

Virat Kohli will play his first cap in seven years free from captaincy responsibility in all formats when India take on South Africa in the first of three one-day internationals at Boland Park here.

All eyes will also be on KL Rahul who leads the Indian team in the ODI series in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

Kohli fans and supporters of Indian cricket will expect Kohli to put aside his differences with the BCCI in the interest of the team, and sizzle with the bat. Rahul is expected to turn to Kohli for advice throughout the series. Vice captain Jasprit Bumrah said on the eve of the series that Kohli "will always be a leader" in the team.

Advertising

Advertising

With the new leadership and support staff, India will be looking to win the series with a view to the 2023 World Cup. The last time a full-strength India played an ODI series was at home against England in March 2021.

READ ALSO - SA v IND Test Series: An amazing comeback from South Africa

Rahul batted in the middle order against England but whether he returns to the top alongside Shikhar Dhawan remains to be seen. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who joined the team after an exceptional domestic season, may have to wait longer for his ODI debut.

Critical series for Dhawan

All three games will be crucial for the experienced Dhawan, who has already lost his place in the T20 squad. The left-hander has thrived under pressure in the past and will look to solidify his position as the first-choice starter alongside Rohit when the latter returns from injury.

READ ALSO - What cost India a first Test series victory in South Africa

Kohli is likely to bat at his usual No. 3 spot, while Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer will square off for the No. 4 spot. Rishabh Pant is expected to hit No. 5, while Venkatesh Iyer is likely to make his debut with more. aged 50 as an all-rounder at six, having shown promise in the T20s against New Zealand.

The two spinners likely to play are Yuzvendra Chahal and R. Ashwin, who has returned after more than four years. Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will share the load in the pace department and management could pick any one of the team's numerous fast pitchers as the third closer.

South Africa will be in high spirits after a memorable victory in the Test series. Captain Temba Bavuma played some crucial entries in the Tests and he will have that confidence in the ODI series. Quinton de Kock, who retired from Test Cricket after the series opener against India, will start life as a white ball player only.

Tall left-arm pacemaker Marco Jansen, who excelled in his inaugural test drive, is expected to upset Indian batsmen with his extra bounce and variations on the short format after earning a first cap.

If the Tests were any indication, the ODIs would be a hotly contested affair.