India embarks on a new era in One-Day International cricket, starting with their clash against South Africa at the iconic Wanderers Stadium this Sunday. This series, despite the looming T20 World Cup, is a crucial stepping stone, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon.
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The past decade and a half have seen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma dominate the white-ball formats. However, as they approach the twilight of their careers, the onus falls on India's next generation to uphold and advance their legacy.
KL Rahul, assuming the captain's mantle for this three-match series, is under the spotlight. His past stints as a stand-in skipper have been promising, but success in this series could potentially secure him a more permanent role as ODI captain.
India's batting lineup boasts familiar names like Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer, who have proven their mettle. However, fresh faces are also vying for spots in India's white-ball plans. Rinku Singh, who has made a mark in T20Is this year, might make his ODI debut, stepping up to the 50-over format.
Rajat Patidar and Bhardwaj Sai Sudarshan are in contention for middle-order positions, along with Tilak Varma. Patidar has been consistent in domestic cricket, while Sudarshan had a notable performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
India faces a South African side missing key pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. India, too, is without its leading pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. Bumrah and Siraj are set for the Test series, while Shami is out due to fitness issues.
This situation puts the responsibility on India’s younger pacers like Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh. Their performance in the final T20I at this venue was commendable, but consistency is key, especially with the future availability of senior bowlers uncertain.
The Wanderers pitch, surprisingly spin-friendly in the last T20I, is a boon for India's spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Off-spinner Washington Sundar might also get a look-in, doubling as a top-order batter.
Chahal, coming off a successful Vijay Hazare Trophy stint, is eager to reaffirm his relevance in white-ball cricket. Absent from the World Cup squad and the T20Is against Australia, the 33-year-old leg-spinner is keen to showcase his skills.
Sanju Samson, primarily the backup wicketkeeper, is hopeful for some game time. He's been overlooked by selectors for much of the season, adding to his eagerness to prove himself.
India's journey with a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talents is a balancing act, aiming to build a robust team for upcoming major tournaments. This series against South Africa is a crucial testing ground for these players, offering a glimpse into India's cricketing future.
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