India heads into the second One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa in Raipur with a 1-0 series lead, following a thrilling 17-run victory in Ranchi. The action now shifts to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, where the pitch conditions and the return of some key players for South Africa could prompt tactical adjustments from both teams.
India, having posted a commanding 349/8 in the first ODI, will be confident, but the middle-order fightback from South Africa exposed a few cracks. Here is the predicted playing XI for both sides.
India's Predicted Playing XI: To Change or Not to Change?
India's top order—powered by a majestic century from Virat Kohli and fluent fifties from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul—looks formidable. The selection debate mainly revolves around two spots: the number four batter and the balance of the all-rounders.
Key Selection Points for India:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (No. 4): Despite falling cheaply in the first ODI while batting out of his preferred opening slot, the team management is likely to give Gaikwad another chance, backing his domestic form. However, a potential swap with the explosive Rishabh Pant remains a talking point if India seeks more firepower. An unchanged batting lineup is the likelier scenario.
- All-rounder Balance: The Raipur pitch is known to be two-paced and offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses. While Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav (who was brilliant in Ranchi) are certainties, the second all-rounder slot is under scrutiny. Washington Sundar offers control and lower-order runs, but his lack of bowling effectiveness in the first ODI might open the door for another bowling option like Nitish Kumar Reddy, though this is considered an outside chance.
India’s Probable Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- KL Rahul (C & WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
South Africa's Predicted Playing XI: Captain's Return
South Africa's chase in Ranchi was marred by a terrible start (11/3), but the lower-order heroics from Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch kept them alive. The Proteas are expected to make at least two significant changes to strengthen their core.
Key Selection Points for South Africa:
- The Captain's Return: Skipper Temba Bavuma is expected to return to the playing XI after resting in the first ODI. His presence will stabilize the top order, likely replacing Tony de Zorzi or Ryan Rickelton.
- Spin Reinforcement: Given the conditions in Raipur, which favour spin as the match wears on, the experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is highly likely to return, replacing Prenelan Subrayen.
- Pace Boost: Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi might also come back into the side to provide more pace and bounce early on, possibly replacing Ottniel Baartman.
South Africa’s Probable Playing XI:
- Quinton de Kock (WK)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Aiden Markram
- Matthew Breetzke
- Dewald Brevis
- Marco Jansen
- Corbin Bosch
- Keshav Maharaj
- Lungi Ngidi
- Nandre Burger
The match promises to be another thrilling contest, with India looking to clinch the series and South Africa aiming for a strong comeback led by their returning captain.
