With both senior batters now featuring in only one international format, India’s limited ODI calendar — just six matches over the next two months, including three against New Zealand in January — lends notable weight to their comeback.
Photo: IANS
India will step into Sunday’s opening ODI against South Africa in Ranchi with more questions than answers, as the three-match series doubles up as an early and crucial checkpoint in their long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The spotlight will inevitably be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with the veteran duo returning to the format after a considerable break in what increasingly feels like a short, high-stakes audition for what could be their final World Cup cycle.
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With both senior batters now featuring in only one international format, India’s limited ODI calendar — just six matches over the next two months, including three against New Zealand in January — lends notable weight to their comeback.
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While these performances may not finalize their 2027 prospects, they will certainly shape the selectors’ perception of where the two legends stand as India enters a new phase of white-ball rebuilding.
Rohit’s emotional return to Ranchi
It was at this very venue — the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi — in 2013 that Rohit Sharma was first elevated to a full-time opener, a decision that not only transformed his ODI career but, in many ways, reshaped India’s approach to the 50-over game.
More than a decade later, the 37-year-old returns to the same ground at a very different stage of his cricketing journey, looking to rediscover rhythm and help India reset the narrative after a disappointing Test series defeat.
The ODI leg unfolds under the looming shadow of next year’s home T20 World Cup, a tournament that will inevitably dictate short-term priorities.
Gambhir under scrutiny
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, too, enters the series searching for answers of his own. His tactical decisions in the Test series attracted criticism — the second major setback since he took over — though his position remains secure, with his contract running through the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Still, the ODIs present an opening for Gambhir to recalibrate India’s white-ball roadmap. While T20Is dominate immediate attention, he will view this series as a chance to restore clarity, deepen the player pool and test evolving roles.
Unsettled XI, unfinished evaluations
India’s playing XI remains fluid. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested, and Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer sidelined by injuries, stand-in captain KL Rahul and Gambhir will need to improvise.
Rahul has confirmed he will bat at No. 6, but the middle-order combination remains India’s most pressing puzzle, with multiple moving parts and no definitive answers yet.
The management must weigh Washington Sundar’s all-round stability against Nitish Kumar Reddy’s late-overs hitting, while also considering whether Tilak Varma deserves an extended run as a stabilising presence.
Rahul also clarified the wicketkeeping dynamics, stating that Rishabh Pant will take the gloves if selected in the XI. “Rishabh obviously missed out due to injury. He’s been with the team for a long time, and everyone has seen what he brings. With the players who are already in the team and performing, sometimes you just have to wait for your opportunity. You’ll find out tomorrow who will be left out. He’s good enough to play purely as a batter as well. But if he’s in the XI, he’ll take the gloves and I’ll be in the field,” Rahul said at the presser.
The bowling unit — Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav — will be assessed closely, especially at the death, where Bumrah’s absence removes a vital buffer. With seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja back in the mix, the attack will hope to lean on his control through the middle overs.
Confident Proteas a threat
South Africa arrive with confidence following their Test triumph. Even without Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the visitors remain upbeat, hoping their red-ball momentum will translate into white-ball sharpness.
Bowling responsibilities are expected to fall on Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who will be key to controlling the middle overs on potentially slowing surfaces.
Their batting unit carries a settled, well-rounded look, anchored by Quinton de Kock’s experience at the top, Temba Bavuma’s stability through the middle and an exciting young core featuring Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis and Tony de Zorzi.
Squads
India: KL Rahul (C), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.
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