"Would love to see Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna" - Former keeper on India's bowling attack for 1st IND vs SA 2025 ODI

Former keeper-batter Saba Karim stated that he would love to see Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna in India's playing XI for the first ODI against South Africa. He, however, added that Harshit Rana could also be a good option with his variations on a wicket where there is no bounce.

Having lost the Test series 2-0, Team India will take on South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30 in the first ODI of the three-match series. The Men in Blue will be led by KL Rahul in Shubman Gill's absence due to injury, while senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Karim opined that either of Prasidh or Harshit could be Arshdeep's pace bowling partner depending on the conditions on offer. The former India selector commented:

"I would love to see Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. Harshit Rana remains a viable option. But again, I think it depends on the surface. On a wicket that offers more pace and bounce, I will go with Prasidh Krishna. Otherwise, I feel that Harshit Rana, with his variations, may be more effective on a wicket that doesn't have so much of bounce."

The 58-year-old stated that the Men in Blue can go in with three spinners and a pace bowling all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy to balance out their bowling attack. Karim elaborated:

"If you decide to pick Nitish Reddy in the XI, then it has to be two seamers in addition to Nitish Reddy and play three spinners. You have Ravindra Jadeja, Washi Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. This will ensure more muscle, more depth in India's batting lineup and a pretty well-balanced bowling attack also."

With the seniors rested, there is plenty of inexperience in India's pace bowling attack. Arshdeep has played 11 ODIs, Prasidh 18 and Harshit eight.

"They only play this format" - Saba Karim on the challenge for Kohli, Rohit in IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Fans would get another opportunity to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action during the ODI series against South Africa. Both were part of the Indian team for the one-dayers in Australia as well. While Rohit and Kohli are proven performers, Karim admitted that playing only one format would be a challenge for them.

"Well, for Rohit and Virat, the biggest challenge would be to adjust to the fact that they only play this format. At times, we have noticed in the past with such cricketers who have decided to play only one format, they, at times, have found it extremely difficult to be a consistent performer," the former selector said.