Ranchi, India – November 30, 2025 – The Indian cricket team is looking to rebound from a disappointing Test series loss to South Africa as they begin a three-match One Day International (ODI) series on Sunday. Stand-in captain K.L. Rahul expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn the page, particularly with the return of experienced batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the ODI series. The first match is scheduled to be played at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
The South African tour marks a significant shift in focus for India, moving away from the longer format of Test cricket and towards the limited-overs game. This series comes after a 2-0 defeat in the Test matches, with the second Test in Guwahati resulting in a record 408-run loss for the home side. The ODI series offers an immediate opportunity for redemption.
India Eyes Fresh Start in ODI Series Against South Africa
The inclusion of Kohli and Sharma is expected to bolster the Indian batting lineup and provide crucial leadership. Both players have previously captained the national side and bring a wealth of experience to the 50-over format. According to Rahul, their presence significantly improves the team’s confidence and offers valuable support to younger players.
While Kohli and Sharma have stepped away from Test and Twenty20 cricket, they remain committed to the ODI format. This selective approach allows them to manage their workload and focus on the aspects of the game they enjoy most. Their return is particularly timely given India’s recent struggles in the Test arena, where they have lost five of their last seven home matches.
Addressing the Test Series Defeat
Rahul acknowledged the team’s disappointment following the Test series defeat. He stated that the focus is now on learning from those losses and applying those lessons to the upcoming ODI matches. The team is reportedly engaged in discussions about how to secure a victory in the limited-overs series.
The recent Test series loss has prompted scrutiny of India’s batting order and bowling strategies. Experts have pointed to a lack of consistency and an inability to adapt to challenging conditions as key factors in the defeats. The ODI series will be a test of whether the team can address these issues quickly.
The South African team, fresh off their Test series win, will undoubtedly be looking to carry that momentum into the ODI leg. They have a strong and well-rounded squad, and will present a formidable challenge to the Indian side. This cricket series is expected to be highly competitive.
Additionally, the series provides an opportunity for players to stake a claim for a spot in the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. Performances in the ODI format will be closely watched by the selectors as they begin to finalize their team selection.
The ODI series will be followed by a five-match Twenty20 International series, further extending the competition between the two cricketing powerhouses. This extended tour allows both teams to experiment with different strategies and player combinations in preparation for future tournaments. The broader tour schedule aims to enhance both teams’ preparation for international competitions.
Looking ahead, the success of the ODI series will be crucial in restoring confidence within the Indian team and among its fans. The team’s ability to adapt to the change in format and capitalize on the experience of Kohli and Sharma will be key. The upcoming Twenty20 series will then provide another platform to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses. The performance in both series will be closely monitored as India prepares for future challenges in the world of international cricket.
The next step is the first ODI match on Sunday, where fans will be watching to see how India responds to the recent setbacks and how effectively they integrate their returning stars. Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of the Test series results on team morale and whether the change in format will be sufficient to spark a turnaround.
ESPN Cricinfo provides ongoing coverage of the series.
The International Cricket Council website offers detailed schedules and results.
News24 also reports on the South Africa tour.
