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India secured an eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the first match of their three-game ODI series at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday (December 17). After winning the toss and choosing to bat, South Africa were bowled out for 116 in 27.3 overs, thanks to Arshdeep Singh's stunning spell of 5/37 which rattled Proteas' batting line-up. Avesh Khan too chipped in with outstanding spell, taking four wickets for 27 runs in eight overs.
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The Indian team overhauled the modest target of 117 runs in just 16.4 overs, losing only two wickets in the process. Meanwhile, debutant Sai Sudharsan remained not out with 55 runs off 43 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 52 runs from 45 balls. Together, they forged an 88-run partnership for the second wicket to cruise India to a comfortable victory. Despite Iyer's impressive show with the willow in the series opener, he will be absent from the upcoming two ODIs against South Africa. The second and third ODIs are slated to be held on Tuesday (December 19) at St George's Park in Gqeberha and Thursday (December 21) at Boland Park in Paarl respectively.
Initially selected for the three ODIs against South Africa, Iyer was subsequently withdrawn from the ODI squad by the BCCI on Saturday (December 16). He will now be part of the Test team, participating in a three-day intra-squad game in preparation for the upcoming two-match Test series between India and South Africa. The first Test is scheduled from December 26 to 30 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, while the second Test will take place from January 3-7, 2024, at Newlands in Cape Town.
Iyer plays a crucial role in the Indian Test team and is expected to bat at the No. 5 position. His most recent Test appearance for India was in March 2023 against Australia.
With Iyer's absence, either Rajat Patidar or Rinku Singh is likely to make their ODI debut for India on Tuesday. Iyer occupied the No. 3 spot in the series opener. While Patidar is a direct replacement for Iyer, should Rinku Singh be chosen, it is probable that Tilak Varma will move up to bat at No. 3, followed by KL Rahul at 4, Sanju Samson at 5, and Rinku Singh at 6.
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