India and South Africa meet again this Sunday, but this time in the 50-over format — and the stakes are quietly massive. After a 2-0 Test series defeat, the KL Rahul-led side returns home pressure-loaded, searching for rhythm, answers, and direction before a packed cricket calendar.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in the ODI setup for a short but crucial audition that might well influence their 2027 ODI World Cup journey. India have only six ODIs in the next two months, making every outing a high-value opportunity for two of the biggest names in world cricket.
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A High-Stakes ODI Series Begins
With the T20 World Cup in 2026 drawing closer, India’s long-term planning is under the spotlight. Head coach Gautam Gambhir finds himself under scrutiny too — not for his job, which is safe until 2027, but for clarity in selection and tactics after back-to-back failures in the Test format.
This ODI series gives Gambhir a chance to steady the narrative and establish a blueprint for India’s white-ball future.
Proteas Confident After Test Triumph
South Africa arrive in Ranchi buzzing with confidence. Their Test series win has energized the squad, even though they miss key pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. The visitors know conditions will again challenge them, but captain Temba Bavuma will look at this ODI phase as another chance to push South Africa’s growth.
IND vs SA 1st ODI Live Telecast on TV
The India vs South Africa 1st ODI will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network across India.
For viewers looking for a free option, DD Sports (DD Free Dish) will telecast the match live.
IND vs SA 1st ODI Live Streaming Online
Cricket fans can watch the live stream of India vs South Africa on the JioCinema/Hotstar app and website.
IND vs SA 1st ODI — Venue and Match Time
- Match: India vs South Africa, 1st ODI
- Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
- Date: Sunday
- Format: First match of a 3-ODI series
India Probable Playing XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa Probable Playing XI
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
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What This Series Means
This is not just another ODI series.
It’s a test of India’s bench strength, leadership stability, and future planning. It’s also a mini-audition for Rohit and Kohli — a chance to extend their ODI careers or signal the beginning of a transition. For Gambhir, it’s an opportunity to regain control of the narrative after criticism in recent weeks.
South Africa, meanwhile, will want to prove their white-ball consistency and carry Test momentum into a format where they often blow hot and cold.
The stage is set, the questions are big, and Ranchi is ready.
