While some argue that bilateral One-Day Internationals are losing their significance, the passionate fans in India tell a different story. They are flocking to stadiums to witness the final chapters of two modern white-ball legends. The focus now shifts to Raipur, where India will aim to clinch the ODI series against South Africa with a victory in the second match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium on Wednesday.
Ro-Ko Power and Redemption Quest
India leads the series 1-0 after a hard-fought 17-run win in front of a packed house in Ranchi. Another full crowd of approximately 60,000 spectators is anticipated in Raipur. The series has been electrified by the presence and supreme form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, affectionately dubbed 'Ro-Ko'. Their match-winning centuries in India's last two ODIs have not only delighted fans but also emphatically settled discussions about their place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
In Ranchi, a charged-up Virat Kohli, with Rohit Sharma cheering him on, transformed into a six-hitting machine, smashing seven sixes and 11 fours in his 135 off 120 balls. This propelled India to a formidable 349/8. Rohit Sharma, looking leaner, has also been in sensational touch, with scores of 73, 121*, and 57 in his last three ODI innings.
A series victory would serve as a soothing balm for Indian cricket enthusiasts following the soul-crushing 2-0 Test series defeat at home to the Proteas. It could also boost morale in a dressing room that has reportedly been under strain.
Pitch, Bowlers, and Team Tactics Under Scrutiny
Raipur's large boundaries might offer a contrast to the 681-run run-fest in Ranchi. However, if the pitch proves to be another batting-friendly 'road', India will once again rely on the heroics of pacer Harshit Rana (3-64) and the wrist-spin wizardry of Kuldeep Yadav (4-68). The duo shared seven wickets to restrict South Africa to 332 in the first ODI.
India's team combination from the first game has come under the scanner. The decision to bat opener Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 4 and all-rounder Washington Sundar at No. 5, while omitting Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma, did not yield results. Gaikwad managed only 8 runs, and Sundar scored 13 off 19 balls while bowling just three overs, raising questions about his role. Critics worry that increasing his batting responsibility could impact his bowling, drawing parallels to Irfan Pathan's experience in the past.
Proteas' Resilience and Raipur's History
South Africa are no pushovers. They displayed tremendous fight in Ranchi, recovering from a precarious 11 for 3 to post 332, thanks to all-round contributions. Marco Jansen continues to be their trump card, following up his Test heroics with a blistering 39-ball 70. Matthew Breetzke (72) and Corbin Bosch (67) also highlighted the depth in their batting.
Raipur has hosted only one other ODI, on January 21, 2023, where India, powered by a magnificent spell from Mohammed Shami (3-18), skittled New Zealand for 108 and won by eight wickets with 179 balls to spare.
In a side note, there is a strong possibility that India's new T20 World Cup jersey for the 2026 tournament will be launched during the Raipur match, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
