1st ODI: India eye winning start against South Africa

NEW DELHI: India's voyage into their ODI future will make its first stop during the opening match against South Africa at the massive Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday. A number of young players are expected to make an impression.
There may be some doubts about the value of an ODI series given the impending T20 World Cup, but this matchup represents a new era for both India and the Proteas as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Over the previous fifteen years, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have constructed magnificent castles in white ball formats. However, as they approach the end of their careers, the younger Indian players will unavoidably need to continue their legacy.
The man leading India in these three-match series, KL Rahul, will therefore be the center of attention.
Although the wicketkeeper-battler has already filled in as India's captain, a victory might give the Bengaluru player the opportunity to hold the position for a longer period of time.

While certain players have already shown their mettle in the competition for spots in India's white ball system, others will be keen to join Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer.
The team management is excited to see Rinku Singh advance to the 50-over version of the game after his impressive performances in the T20Is this year. The left-hander may make his ODI debut tomorrow.
Along with Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, who has been putting up big runs in domestic cricket for a while, and Bhardwaj Sai Sudarshan, who did well for Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, could also be denied the chance to play internationally.
The Indian team management is hoping that these young players can fill in a few gaps against a South African attack that appears weaker without injured Anrich Nortje and rested Kagiso Rabada.
The trio of pacers-Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj-who supported India's bowling during the most recent ODI World Cup will also not be available.
Shami has been ruled out of the tour after the BCCI medical team did not give him clearance to play, although Bumrah and Siraj will play in the Test series.
The responsibility of leading India's pace department falls on bowlers like Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh in their absence. Although they gave a commendable performance in the final Twenty20 International match at this location against South Africa, they will need to be more consistent.
They can't promise that Bumrah or the other seniors will be available in the future, therefore they can't negotiate on this task.
In the third Twenty20 International on Thursday, the Johannesburg surface displayed a surprising tilt towards spin. With Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal among their ranks, India will be glad of that.
In addition, the visitors may try to give a run to spinner Washington Sundar, who can also bat in the top order.
Leg-spinner Chahal, however, would be keen to demonstrate that he is still a significant player in white ball cricket after playing some outstanding matches for Haryana in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Chahal was neither a part of India squad in the World Cup nor was he there in the T20Is against Australia at home.
So, the 33-year-old will be hoping to get a chance here to roll his arm and impress the selectors.
Despite being Rahul's backup wicketkeeper for the majority of the season, Sanju Samson will be looking to win a match or two in the series after receiving a cold shoulder from the selection for much of the previous one.
Teams:
India: KL Rahul (Captain, wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep
South Africa: Aiden Markram (Captain), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams
(With PTI inputs)