IND vs SA 1st ODI 2025 Match Preview: Team Analysis, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Prediction

IND vs SA 1st ODI 2025 Match Preview: The South Africa tour of India 2025 continues with its opening ODI as India takes on South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, starting at 1:30 PM (IST).

After a disastrous Test whitewash, India will look to reset and start the ODI series strong. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli boosts the squad significantly.

Meanwhile, South Africa, which also lost their last ODI series 1–2 to Pakistan, will aim for a turnaround in white-ball cricket.

In this article, we take a look at the IND vs SA Match Preview, Pitch Report, Prediction, and Stats.

Match Details – IND vs SA 1st ODI

IND vs SA Team Preview & Analysis

India

India enters the ODI series after a mixed run but is strengthened by the comeback of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both in good form.

KL Rahul leads the side with Shubman Gill unavailable due to injury. Rishabh Pant returns as the designated wicketkeeper.

The spin duo of Jadeja and Kuldeep will be vital on the Ranchi surface, while the pace unit led by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will look to exploit early movement.

Key Players to Watch:

• Rohit Sharma

• Virat Kohli

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Kuldeep Yadav

South Africa

South Africa suffered a 1–2 loss to Pakistan in their previous ODI series but remains a dangerous limited-overs side.

With experienced names like Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Bavuma, their top order looks strong.

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, one of the most consistent ODI bowlers, will be the key threat on this surface.

Key Players to Watch:

• Quinton de Kock

• Aiden Markram

• Keshav Maharaj

• Lungi Ngidi

IND vs SA Predicted Playing XI

India:

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

IND vs SA Pitch Report – JSCA Stadium, Ranchi

The Ranchi pitch offers a balanced wicket with assistance for both bowlers and batters.
The outfield is generally slower, requiring batters to time their shots well.

Only one 300+ total has been recorded at this venue, highlighting how challenging stroke-making can be.

• Pitch Type: Balanced

• Average First Innings Score: 260–280

• Fast Bowling: Helpful in early overs

• Spin Bowling: Effective in middle overs

• Toss Prediction: Bowl first

Weather Forecast – Ranchi, Nov 30, 2025

Conditions: Slight cloud cover, ideal for a full ODI match.

IND vs SA 1st ODI Win Prediction

Both teams are competitive, but India holds a slight edge due to stronger batting depth and home advantage.

Prediction: The chasing team to win the match. Slight edge to India.