India would look to settle odds with the Proteas by winning the ODI series. India lost the test series to South Africa and the ODI challenge will be no easier. It would not be an easy task for India to defeat the best team in ODI at their home.
India must be very careful in choosing its playing XI for India is up against the number 1 team in the ODI rankings. India needs to go with its best playing XI and the question is, does Ajinkya Rahane qualify for the playing XI in the One Day series.
There was a lot of debate about Rahane’s place in the playing XI for tests. Rahane played a brave knock of 48 in the second innings of the Wanderers test. His knock was very important in ensuring India a win. Now the question is about Rahane’s place in the playing XI for ODIs.
VIRAT KOHLI BREAKS SILENCE ON RAHANE’s PLACE IN ODIs
Speaking about Rahane’s place in the playing XI in South Africa, Kohli said“We have said that Rahane is the third opener in ODIs. But that might change. He plays pace very well and has batted at no.4 in WC before. So this could be an option going ahead,”
The Indian Captain further added that
“We have more or less sorted out core players for key positions since the Sri Lanka tour. I would say middle order (specifically No.4) is the only spot we are looking for experimentation at the moment,”
On the other hand, in a setback to South Africa their premier ODI player, AB De Villiers has been ruled out from the first 3 One Day Internationals. AB De Villiers picked up a finger injury in the last test while trying to catch Kohli. This is a big loss to South Africa given how much importance ABD holds in the team.
