India’s ODI series against South Africa starts tomorrow in Ranchi with some big changes. Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the national team after waiting 712 days for this moment. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant might surprisingly find himself watching from the bench.
Ruturaj’s Long Wait Finally Ends
Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn’t worn the India jersey in almost two years now. That’s a brutally long time for any cricketer to stay away from international cricket. But his chance has finally arrived with Shreyas Iyer injured and unavailable currently.
The training session under lights revealed plenty about the team management’s plans. Ruturaj kept swapping positions with Virat Kohli in the nets during practice. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had a long animated chat with him separately too.
This signals that Ruturaj isn’t being groomed as a backup opener here. He’s being prepared for the crucial number four batting position instead. Gambhir clearly sees him filling Shreyas Iyer’s spot in the middle order perfectly.
Likely Playing XI Taking Shape
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal practised together as opening partners repeatedly during training. They alternated in the same nets, suggesting they’ll open the innings tomorrow. Jaiswal gets his big opportunity in ODIs with Shubman Gill nursing an injury.
Virat Kohli batted extensively at the first-change position throughout the session. Support staff including Ryan ten Doeschate spent considerable time discussing strategies with him. Kohli’s position at number three looks absolutely locked in for this series.
Tilak Varma had a long batting stint in the nets yesterday evening. Pant also batted but seemed less involved in the coaching discussions happening. Management appears to be leaning toward giving Tilak the first match nod ahead.
Bowling Attack Already Decided
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar bowled lengthy spells simulating South African spinners effectively. Kuldeep Yadav had detailed conversations with Kohli and other staff members constantly. This confirms he’s almost certain to play as the specialist spinner tomorrow.
Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna bowled against Rohit during the practice session. They look set to form India’s pace attack for the opening match. Harshit Rana will probably sit out initially and get chances later on.
The three-match series happens across Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam starting November 30 officially.
