South Africa is aiming for a rare dual victory against India in the ongoing ODI series. This opportunity arises following India’s past struggles with the toss, which have become a critical factor in their recent performances. The last time India lost an ODI and Test series on the same tour was during their visit to South Africa in the 2021-22 season.
Importance of the Toss
The upcoming match in Vishakapatnam is poised to hinge significantly on the toss outcome. Dew has become an increasingly influential factor in ODIs played in India, especially with the recent format changes that limit the use of two balls in the final overs. This adjustment renders conditions more favorable for the team bowling in the afternoon.
In the previous ODI, South Africa managed to clinch a victory despite trailing behind India in the later stages. Winning the toss is crucial; India hopes to overcome their streak of 20 consecutive losses in this regard. Their last successful toss win in an ODI was during the semi-final of the last World Cup.
Batting and Bowling Strategy
Both teams must capitalize on the new ball conditions. Batters will need to aim for above-par totals while bowlers must take advantage of the initial movement the ball offers. India found success in these areas in past matches, particularly in Ranchi, but struggled in Raipur. The ability of South Africa to replicate these strategies may depend heavily on their performance in the toss.
Key Players to Watch
- Virat Kohli: Known for his remarkable batting skills, Kohli has achieved back-to-back centuries multiple times. Vishakapatnam is a favored ground for him, where he averages 97.83 in ODIs. His potential for a hat-trick of centuries is a focal point for fans.
- Marco Jansen: As a developing all-rounder, Jansen aims to improve his bowling statistics. He has taken four wickets in this series but is expected to take on more significant responsibilities if Nandre Burger is unable to play.
Team Updates
India will likely retain their winning lineup, which has shown promise despite losing two tosses. Ruturaj Gaikwad performed impressively, scoring a century to match Kohli’s efforts. However, concerns about bowling consistency remain, particularly with Prasidh Krishna’s current form.
On the South African side, they are facing injury challenges, with two players suffering hamstring injuries in the last ODI. Expectations are that Ottneil Baartman and Ryan Rickelton will replace the injured Burger and Tony de Zorzi.
Conditions and Expectations
The last two ODIs played in Vishakapatnam exemplified varying conditions. India recorded a hefty score of 387 against the West Indies while being bowled out for just 117 against Australia. The absence of weather interruptions should favor batting, and temperatures are predicted to be comfortable for cricket.
Overall, the dynamic nature of the conditions, combined with both teams seeking to capitalize on their strengths, makes this upcoming match a crucial encounter in the series. South Africa’s pursuit of a rare double win against India will undoubtedly amplify the stakes further.
