Team India is all set to take on South Africa in a three-match ODI series that kicks off on November 30 in Ranchi.
As full-time captain Shubman Gill has been after-missing the neck injury, KL Rahul will the team.
On the other hand, South Africa is set to carry their winning streak from the tour which already has the Test leg of the series 2-0.
Players to watch out for in the India vs South Africa ODI series
1. Keshav Maharaj
The left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is expected to keep up the pressure as he is the world’s 3rd best bowler now in ODIs.
Maharaj could either take away the runs during the middle overs or dismiss the most crucial batsmen.
This year, in 10 ODIs, he has taken 17 wickets at an average of 27.76.
On top of this, the amazing 4.31 is the economy rate of him in Asia (27 wickets).
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2. Mathew Breetzke
The new batting star of Matthew Breetzke has started his ODI journey with a big bang as he scored 50 plus runs in his first five games.
His average after nine matches is a whopping 67.75. This would be his wish to improve his statistics even further.
Breetzke, in particular, is a player who can bat both fast and long at the same time. Thus, he would be a difficult customer for the Indian bowlers.
3. KL RAHUL
Rahul, who was the vice-captain of the Indian team across formats at one point, has already captained the Men’s team in 12 ODIs.
He is given the opportunity again to convince the selectors of his leadership qualities. The keeper-batter will also be an important factor in the order.
Famed for his adaptability, Rahul’s average while batting at four and five in the format is more than 55.
On home ground, he has a great average of 52.60.
4. ROHIT SHARMA
The former captain Rohit Sharma was the Player of the Series in India’s last ODI series against Australia, which took place last month.
Due to Gill’s unavailability, the star bat will have extra responsibilities at the opening position.
Nonetheless, his statistics against South Africa are meager as he has an average of only 33.58 against them.
Interestingly, he is a mere three shots away from unseating Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi (351) as the player with the most sixes in ODIs.
5. Virat Kohli
How can a list end without the name of the King of cricket, Virat Kohli.
The modern master will be another player to watch out for in the upcoming 3 match ODI series against South Africa. Kohli last featured in the ODIs against Australia alongside Rohit Sharma and scored a fine half century in the final match of the series.
Virat Kohli will once again have the opportunity to dominate the format he is beast at. Also his numbers against South Africa are nothing short of phenomenal,in 29 ODIs virat kohli has scored 1504 runs at an exceptional average of 65.39. Virat Kohli has a total of 5 hundreds and 8 Fifties against South Africa
