'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
India vs South Africa is turning to be quite a spicy rivalry. Across formats, the two teams have been part of some eye-catching contests in recent times, including Sunday's ODI series opener in Ranchi.
India made a healthy 349/8, a score that seemed well out of South Africa's reach following the first powerplay of the chase. However, the Proteas came back well thanks to spirited middle-order contributions from a number of batters and dragged the game until the last over. The target eventually proved a few too many, but the second innings was a notable example of the visitors' fighting spirit.
In Raipur, the venue for the second ODI on Wednesday, December 3, South Africa will need a win to keep the series alive. The expected returns of captain Temba Bavuma and lead spinner Keshav Maharaj will strengthen them as they attempt to pull level.
Trending
India, meanwhile, will be hell bent on securing an unassailable 2-0 lead. An ODI series loss to Australia and a Test series whitewash to the Proteas have greatly dampened spirits, and a customary bilateral white-ball victory will go a long way in setting them on the right path.
India's squad for the South Africa ODI series: KL Rahul (c), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.
South Africa's squad for the India ODI series: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.
IND vs SA 2025: India seek to seal series against power-packed South Africa
Bavuma and Maharaj's returns will strengthen South Africa, but will they have enough to get over the line? It's hard to say, especially with the game hinging heavily on the toss. Dew is expected once again in Raipur, and the chasing team will have a significant advantage.
India arguably have more bases covered if you take the toss out of the equation. Despite having batting only until No. 7, the hosts are playing a solid combination that features three specialist fast bowlers and Kuldeep Yadav. Washington Sundar looks out of place at No. 5, but aside from that, things seem comfortable.
South Africa, meanwhile, are arguably very reliant on Marco Jansen with both bat and ball. Their middle-order batters perhaps haven't found the ideal tempo to bat at yet, and a couple of early wickets could see them in trouble.
It's a tough one to call, but India may be extremely slight favorites.
Prediction: India to win the 2nd ODI vs South Africa.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news
