IND vs SA Pitch Report 1st ODI: How will the pitch be in Johannesburg

By Akshay - December 17, 2023 12:49 PM

IND vs SA Pitch Report: After the T20 series being tied at 1-1, India and South Africa will now face each other in the three-match ODI series. The first match of the ODI series is being played in Johannesburg on 17 December. Under the captaincy of KL Rahul, Team India would like to start the series with a win.

How does the Johannesburg pitch play?

The first ODI match between India and South Africa (IND vs SA) is to be played at The Wanderers ground in Johannesburg. Batsmen dominate the Wanderers' field. There is a lot of fours and sixes on this ground and due to good bounce, the ball comes easily on the bat. However, the pitch also helps the spin bowlers a lot, the latest example of which was seen in the third T20 match.

What do the figures say?

The Wanderers have hosted a total of 51 ODI matches so far. During this period, the team batting first has won 21 matches. At the same time, the chasing team has won in 28 matches. That means chasing runs has proved to be better on this ground. The average score in the first innings was 240, while the average score in the second innings was 204. india vs south africa 1st odi live match

How will India's batting order be?

The responsibility of opening Team India's innings in the first ODI against South Africa will be on the shoulders of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill. Shreyas Iyer will be seen playing at number three position. However, Iyer will be available only for the first ODI. At the same time, captain KL Rahul himself can handle the burden of number four.

Pitch report:

Johannesburg's New Wanderers Stadium has a reputation for producing high-scoring ODIs, particularly considering recent games. On Thursday, the Wanderers' surface displayed an unexpected leaning towards spin. In addition, South Africa's constant rain can bring in moisture and help the bowlers.

Will Sanju Samson return?

Sanju Samson may get a chance as wicketkeeper in the first ODI. Sanju played his last ODI match against West Indies in August this year. However, since then he could not make a place in the Indian team. Rinku Singh, who created a lot of havoc with the bat in the T-20 series, can be included in the playing eleven as a finisher. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, it is considered certain that Axar Patel will play.

IND vs SA 1st ODI Probable Playing 11

Team India Probable Playing 11: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.