India vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025: India will begin their three-match ODI series against South Africa on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, looking to bounce back after a disappointing Test whitewash. With Shubman Gill ruled out due to injury, KL Rahul will lead the ODI side in a crucial contest that marks India’s first home ODI assignment after the Australia tour.
The series opener promises to be exciting, with several selection debates, comeback opportunities, and big individual milestones on the line for senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
India vs South Africa 1st ODI Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs South Africa, 1st ODI 2025 |
| Series | South Africa Tour of India 2025 |
| Date & Time | Sunday, 30 November 2025, 1:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network / JioCinema |
| Match Status | First match of 3-ODI series |
India’s Situation Ahead of the 1st ODI
The Indian team enters the white-ball leg with several key changes from their previous ODI outing.
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are unavailable, forcing the management to rethink the top and middle order combination.
Key Talking Points:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma.
- Tilak Varma vs Rishabh Pant is India’s biggest No. 4 battle.
- Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh likely to lead the pace attack.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy returns from injury to strengthen the all-rounder unit.
- Kuldeep Yadav set to spearhead the spin department.
India last played an ODI in Australia, and this time the conditions will be different—but the pressure to start well remains the same.
India Probable Playing XI for 1st ODI
Based on recent form, team balance, and the given selection updates, here is India’s likely XI:
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Openers | Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Top Order | Virat Kohli |
| Middle Order | Tilak Varma |
| Wicketkeeper & Captain | KL Rahul (C & WK) |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Spinners | Kuldeep Yadav |
| Pacers | Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh |
Bench: Rishabh Pant, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel, Prasidh Krishna
Key Players to Watch in 1st ODI
Rohit Sharma
Rohit starts the series on the brink of several massive world records:
- 98 runs away from 20,000 international runs
- Needs 3 sixes to become the player with the most ODI sixes ever
- Only 8 sixes away from 650 international sixes
- One century away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar for most 100s as an Indian opener
With a strong ODI record against South Africa, a big knock from Rohit could set the tone for India.
Virat Kohli
Kohli heads into the series with huge statistical milestones within touching distance:
- Needs 32 runs to become No. 2 in all-time ODI runs vs South Africa
- One century will give him the most ODI tons vs SA
- One more ODI hundred will make him the first player ever with 52 hundreds in a single format
- 337 runs short of 28,000 international runs
After regaining form with a fifty in Australia, Kohli will be India’s key anchor at No. 3.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The youngster is set to play his first ODI of the year.
His aggressive style and left-hand versatility provide perfect balance alongside Rohit.
He has a big chance to cement himself as India’s long-term ODI opener.
Tilak Varma
The most discussed player ahead of the 1st ODI.
- Offers a calm, controlled batting style
- Recently led India A against SA A
- Preferred over Pant for better ODI temperament
Tilak’s performance at No. 4 could shape India’s middle-order stability.
Harshit Rana
India’s best bowler in the previous ODI series.
- Swing + pace in the powerplay
- Handy lower-order hitting
- Expected to play ahead of Prasidh Krishna
Harshit and Arshdeep will share the new ball responsibilities.
Kuldeep Yadav
India’s frontline spinner for the ODI series.
- SA’s middle order has struggled against left-arm wrist spin
- Expected to bowl in the middle overs with Jadeja and Sundar
- Only needs 5 wickets to go past Harbhajan Singh in ODI wickets vs SA
South Africa’s Challenge
South Africa arrives confident after sweeping the Test series 2-0.
Their white-ball unit is strong, with:
- Aiden Markram
- Tristan Stubbs
- Marco Jansen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Keshav Maharaj
Their batting firepower and pace depth make them a major threat in Ranchi.
Pitch & Weather Report – Ranchi (JSCA Stadium)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly with some early seam movement |
| Average ODI Score | 260–300 |
| Spin Support | Moderate turning assistance in middle overs |
| Weather | Clear skies, mild humidity |
| Dew Factor | Possible dew in 2nd innings |
If dew settles in, batting second may become easier.
Read more: India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Records
Conclusion
The India vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025 promises fresh match-ups, new players, and big individual milestones. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli chasing historic records, and young talents like Jaiswal, Tilak, Harshit, and Nitish set for crucial roles, India will aim to start the ODI series with a winning statement.
South Africa, boosted by their Test success, will look to carry that momentum into white-ball cricket.
Expect a competitive, high-scoring, and entertaining ODI in Ranchi.
