India currently lost 3 match Test Series against South Africa. Now the things will move on to the ODI series. The BCCI announced the squad for the ODI series recently. New ODI skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the series as he failed to recover from the hamstring injury. Wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul will be leading the side in Rohit’s absence. This is the first ODI series for Virat Kohli after he was sacked from the ODI captaincy. Jasprit Bumrah named as the deputy of KL Rahul in the ODI series. On that note, let’s look at 5 Players to watch out for during South Africa ODI series.
India VS SA ODI Series: 5 Players To Watch Out For During South Africa Tour
1. Virat Kohli
India’s former White ball captain Virat Kohli is the main Indian player to watch out for during South Africa ODI series. This is the first ODI series of Virat Kohli playing as a player. Some days back, BCCI sacked Virat Kohli as the captain of ODI team. It will be awkward for the fans also to not see captain written after his name.
Virat’s form is a cause of concern for the Indian team as the batter haven’t reached the three figure mark for two successive years. But his batting in the final Test was a good sign for India. Though, he didn’t get to three figure mark but he batted very solidly.
2. KL Rahul
The last couple of months were a dream for KL Rahul. Earlier, he made a brilliant opening partnership with Rohit Sharma in England where India is currently leading. Rahul also captained India in the latest series against South Africa in the absence of Virat Kohli. Now this will be the first assignment of KL Rahul as the new ODI skipper for India.
KL Rahul, earlier became the full time member of Indian team in white ball format. But now, he is an all format player and also in the leadership role. KL will start the series as an opening batsman.
3. Shikhar Dhawan
The senior Indian opener has struggled for form in the recent times. He is not part of Indian team in Test and T20Is. The injury to Rohit Sharma is responsible for the selection of the senior pro. This might prove to be the last call for Dhawan. Shikhar last played an ODI for India last year where he led the team when the first choice team was in England for Test Series.
It is quite interesting to see how Shikhar Dhawan fares with his selection in the team. The left handed batsman was the highest run scorer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is in the form of his life in the recent times. He ended as the highest run scorer in IPL 2021. With his efforts, Chennai Super Kings also lifted the trophy for the fourth time. The youngster also made highlights by making making four centuries in five matches in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. He also finished as the tournament highest run scorer.
It earned him a clear shot for ODIs in South Africa. Judging by his form, it makes him a confident performer. And also India might start with experienced duo of KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan to open the innings. He might have to wait.
Also Read: Latest T20 Players Ranking Released: KL Rahul Is The Only Indian In Top-10
5. Venkatesh Iyer
Another youngster in the list of 5 Players to watch out for during South Africa ODI series. Venkatesh Iyer didn’t play in the first part of the IPL 2021. Though, he got a chance in the second phase. And he never looked back after that. Venkatesh has been grabbing eyeballs since he broke out during IPL 2021. Also, he finished as the second highest run scorer for Madhya Pradesh in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021, he looks to be in good form.
And being a seaming all rounder is what India desperately needs. India groomed Hardik Pandya for some time now as the pace all rounder but he has some fitness issues. This is the brilliant opportunity for someone like Venkatesh Iyer.
India’s squad for South Africa ODIs
KL Rahul (Captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Md. Siraj, Jayant Yadav, Navdeep Saini.
