Team India is taking on South Africa in 1st ODI of the three-match IND vs SA ODI series on Sunday at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Notably, In the first ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa, taking place at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa has opted to wear pink jerseys instead of their usual green ones.
Here’s Why SA Players Are Wearing Pink Jersey
This change in jersey color is part of South Africa’s tradition of hosting Pink Day ODIs, where they express their support for breast cancer education, awareness, research, and detection.
Cricket South Africa encourages the local community to participate in this campaign by wearing pink shirts and purchasing tickets. All proceeds from the first ODI between India and South Africa will be dedicated to supporting initiatives related to breast cancer.
Ahead of the first match, India ODI skipper on SA tour KL Rahul has stated that the Indian youngsters won’t be expected to play the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa.
Spotlight Will Be On The Youngsters
With the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, the spotlight turns to the emerging talents – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, and Sai Sudharsan.
Before the first match of the South Africa tour, KL Rahul, the ODI captain for India, has mentioned that the young Indian players will not be pressured to fill the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. Given the absence of key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, the focus will be on emerging talents such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, and Sai Sudharsan.
“To expect them to play the role that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played in the World Cup will be too early. You have to give them time and make them feel comfortable. There’s no added pressure from my side,”
He added: “We need to focus on what’s in front of us. Playing in the World Cup was really exciting, but we need to figure out what works for us here in these conditions and try and adapt. That is what we are looking forward to doing. I trust the players and expect them to do the job for their team,”
India vs South Africa 1st ODI Squads:
South Africa Squad:
Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi
India Squad:
KL Rahul(w/c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar
