IND vs SA 1st ODI - India's Strongest Playing 11 Selected to Destroy South Africa in Ranchi

After a 0-2 Test series whitewash against South Africa, Team India is now set to play in the ODI series. The first match of the three-match series is scheduled for Sunday (January 30) at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi. India's playing eleven for the first ODI is almost certain. 

In Shubman Gill's absence, KL Rahul is leading the team in this series. He will also be seen keeping wickets for the team. Since Gill is absent, Yashasvi Jaiswal could open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. With Rohit and Yashasvi opening, the left-right combination will remain intact. Virat Kohli is expected to play at number 3. 

Will players rotate from No. 4 to No. 6?

Since Shreyas Iyer is injured, the three contenders for his No. 4 spot are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma, and Rishabh Pant . The same three players are also contenders for the No. 6 spot. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad may be preferred to play at No. 4.

It's certain that KL Rahul will keep wickets, and if Rishabh Pant plays, he will have to bat at this position. KL Rahul could come in at number 5. Overall, as it appears, the positions of players from number 4 to 6 may change depending on the match situation and the other team's bowling attack. 

Ravindra Jadeja is also certain to play in the team. It remains to be seen whether Washington Sundar or Nitish Reddy will get a chance to play. Kuldeep Yadav will play as a specialist spinner in the team. Meanwhile, the fast bowling will be handled by Harshit Rana and Arshdeep. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested, while regular captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are injured.

Although the pitch at the Ranchi stadium is considered to be helpful for spinners, if there is grass on the pitch then a pace bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy can make a place for him. 

India's Strongest playing 11 for Ranchi ODI: Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, KL Rahul (Captain and WK), Washington Sundar/Nitish Kumar Reddy,Tilak Varma/Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, & Arshdeep Singh

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