K.L. Rahul-led India begin preparations for ODI series against South Africa

The KL Rahul-led Indian team on Monday began preparations under coach Rahul Dravid’s guidance ahead of a three-match ODI series against South Africa at Boland Park. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared photos of the Indian team where stand-in captain KL Rahul and coach Rahul Dravid could be seen having a pep talk with the team. Ex-India captain Virat Kohli was also part of the squad.

“ODI MODE On We are here at Boland Park to begin prep for the ODIs #TeamIndia | #SAvIND,” BCCI tweeted.

After losing the Test series 2-1, India would look to make a fresh beginning and salvage lost pride when they take on South Africa in a three-match ODI cricket series starting in Paarl on January 19. The second ODI is scheduled at the same venue on January 21, following which the team will travel to Cape Town for the series finale.

The Indian team will be distracted by the 1-2 series loss in the Test series prior and will want to do well in the ODIs. On the other hand, they will also need to balance their approach by keeping next year`s World Cup in mind.

Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa in the ODI series, while India named a 19-member squad for the ODI series, comprised of experienced and young players. There are few players in the Indian team who are the core strength of the squad. They will be part of every ODI game.

India ODI Squad: KL Rahul (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jayant Yadav, Navdeep Saini.