IND vs SA: India Start Proteas ODI Series With a Win

Udaipur, Nov 30, 2025: Reeling from the embarrassment of a Test-series whitewash, India faced heavy criticism at home and abroad, with Gautam Gambhir among those visibly disappointed. However, two familiar stalwarts once again emerged as the team’s stabilising force — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

In the lone ODI victory against Australia, Rohit had struck a century while Kohli contributed a half-century. In the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, the script remained similar, only with the roles reversed. Kohli produced a commanding century, and Rohit supported with a composed fifty.

For South Africa, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch fought hard to keep the contest alive, but chasing a formidable 350 proved too steep. India’s bowling attack, led by the much-criticised Harshit Rana, held firm. Rana delivered an impressive spell and played a key role in halting Jansen’s late surge.

India ultimately secured a 17-run victory, beginning the ODI series on a confident note.

India Post 350 After Kohli’s Brilliant Century

South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss on Sunday and chose to field. Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) could not make a strong comeback after almost 10 months. Virat Kohli then joined Rohit Sharma, and together they added a solid 136-run stand. Rohit was out for 57 after being trapped lbw by Marco Jansen.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar could not contribute much, and the run rate slowed as wickets fell. But Kohli stayed calm and brought up his century with a boundary off Jansen. It was his 52nd ODI hundred, and he celebrated in his familiar style. Kohli finally scored 135 off 120 balls, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes. KL Rahul added an important 60 on his return as captain, while Ravindra Jadeja finished well with 32 off 20 balls. India ended with a strong total of 350 runs.

Kuldeep’s Double Blow Guides India to Victory

Chasing a big target, South Africa were in trouble early. Harshit Rana used the seam well and took quick wickets, surely pleasing Gautam Gambhir. Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock were both out for ducks, while Arshdeep Singh removed Markram, leaving South Africa at 11 for 3.

Matthew Breetzke tried to rebuild. Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis showed some fight, but Marco Jansen brought real danger for India. In the Tests he batted patiently, but in the ODI he attacked fearlessly. His 70 off 39 balls, with 3 sixes and 8 fours, put India under pressure. But his risky shot ended in Jadeja’s hands off Kuldeep Yadav. In the same over, Kuldeep removed Breetzke as well, turning the match back in India’s favour.

Corbin Bosch fought hard with 67, but it was not enough. India held on and won by 17 runs.

Rahul led India to victory, though Rohit Sharma was seen guiding the field often. Harshit’s tight over before Kuldeep’s double strike was also key. After the Test series disappointment, this was a strong start for India. However, the team still needs to fix their bowling issues, especially without Shreyas Iyer, Bumrah, and Siraj.