The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is all set to begin. The first match is scheduled to be played on Sunday (November 30) at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.
The hosts will be desperate to bounce back after suffering a humiliating whitewash in the two-match Test series. India were pretty much outplayed by the Proteas in the red-ball series and will be keen to make amends in the ODIs.
In their last ODI assignment, India suffered a 2-1 series loss in Australia and would be hoping that they return to winning ways in home conditions. India will be without their captain Shubman Gill but will be bolstered by the return of veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In Gill’s absence, KL Rahul will be leading the team.
On the other hand, South Africa will be looking to make the most of the momentum after their famous Test series. The Proteas showed that they can thrive in spinning conditions and will be eyeing a similar performance in the 50-over format as well.
As India and South Africa gear up for the first ODI, here is the full match preview.
India vs South Africa Match Preview – 1st ODI, South Africa tour of India 2025
| Match | India vs South Africa |
| Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Time | 01:30 PM IST |
| Venue | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi |
| Series | South Africa tour of India 2025 |
India vs South Africa – Weather Report:
While the temperature will be very comfortable for the players, the same cannot be said about the air quality. The temperature is likely to hover in early 20s during the first half of the match and is set to plummet to around 15 degree Celsius after sunset.
India vs South Africa- Pitch report:
The pitch in Ranchi is expected to favour the batters. Both the teams would like to chase since there will be ample dew in the evening which will make conditions extremely tough for the bowlers.
Expert Comment from 1xBet
The India vs South Africa 1st ODI on November 30 in Ranchi is set to be a matchup where early momentum and control will likely determine the contest’s direction. India comes in with a pretty well-balanced unit, anchored by two stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose ability to build stable platforms remains central at home. KL Rahul’s calm leadership and finishing ability give India tactical flexibility.
South Africa, under Temba Bavuma’s captaincy, will look to their pace attack for early breakthroughs. The new ball could prove important: if their seamers get movement in the first 8-10 overs, they have the firepower to unsettle India’s structure and make conditions favourable. Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj’s roles in the middle order remain central to sustaining scoring tempo against India’s spin options.
Data-driven modelling from 1xBet suggests India has a slight statistical edge, given the recent form cycles, home-venue patterns, and middle-overs efficiency projections. Still, the margins are tight enough that an assertive start from South Africa could reshape the forecast dramatically.
“At 1xBet, our projections integrate pitch tendencies, situational probabilities, player-condition matchups, and weather variability to provide objective match assessments,” comments a 1xBet analyst.
According to 1xBet: “India holds a slight but clear edge heading into the first ODI, though South Africa’s ability to strike early remains a decisive variable.”
India vs South Africa – Predicted Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Reddy, KL Rahul (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
India vs South Africa – Squads:
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul(w/c), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Prenelan Subrayen