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Raipur Showdown: India Aims to Close Out ODI Series Against Desperate South Africa
ZeeaK 
The high-stakes three-match ODI series moves to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur today, December 3. India holds a 1-0 advantage after their thrilling 17-run victory in Ranchi and will be determined to clinch the series in this second fixture.
The match is scheduled for a 1:30 PM IST start.
The Spotlight on the Veterans
The anticipation surrounding this series has been amplified by the presence of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As they transition into the twilight of their careers with a focus solely on the 50-over format, their performance remains the central talking point for fans and management alike.
- Current Form: The duo showed their pedigree in Ranchi, with Kohli scoring a magnificent century and Rohit hitting a valuable fifty. Their ability to deliver back-to-back performances is key, especially as these legends may not grace newer international venues like Raipur again.
- Consistency Check: While Rohit has been in superb touch, tallying 335 runs in his last five ODI innings, the management is also seeking more impactful displays from rising stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both of whom had middling returns in the first match.
The South African Response
South Africa showcased immense fighting spirit in Ranchi. Despite being reduced to 11/3 early in the chase, players like Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch mounted a spectacular counterattack, proving that in modern ODI cricket, no chase is ever truly dead.
Captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the challenge presented by the Indian veterans: “We have faced them before, and we know their quality. It makes the series more exciting,” he said, emphasizing that his team is prepared for the high-pressure environment. The immediate focus for the Proteas will be to stifle the “Ro-Ko” partnership and level the series.
Expected Lineups and Team Changes
The hosts are predicted to retain their winning combination, though the utilization of Washington Sundar at number five remains a point of interest.
South Africa is expected to make key personnel changes, bolstering their squad after resting some players for the opener:
| India Probable XI | South Africa Probable XI |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Quinton de Kock (WK) |
| Rohit Sharma | Aiden Markram |
| Virat Kohli | Temba Bavuma (C) |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Matthew Breetzke |
| Washington Sundar | Tony de Zorzi |
| KL Rahul (C & WK) | Dewald Brevis |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Marco Jansen |
| Harshit Rana | Corbin Bosch |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Keshav Maharaj |
| Arshdeep Singh | Nandre Burger |
| Prasidh Krishna | Ottneil Baartman |
| Expected Changes: Bavuma likely replaces Rickelton, Maharaj likely replaces Subrayen. |
Venue Profile
- Raipur: The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium has hosted only two international matches previously. The only ODI played here saw India’s fast bowlers skittle New Zealand for a low total. Clear skies are anticipated for the game.
- Statistical Note: Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite a phenomenal record in domestic 50-over cricket, currently averages just $17.57$ in his brief ODI international career.
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Image Credits : CricBuzz
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