India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025: India are set to begin their ODI campaign against South Africa on November 30, just days after suffering a stunning 0–2 Test series defeat at home. With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer ruled out due to injuries, KL Rahul takes charge of a squad that welcomes back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—two senior pillars expected to steady India after the Test setback.
The three-match series, to be played in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam, becomes crucial not only for India’s rebuilding phase but also for evaluating bench strength ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Key Takeaways: India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025 – Schedule, Squad Updates, Return of Senior Stars
- India begin the ODI series on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by matches on December 3 and December 6.
- KL Rahul leads the side in the absence of injured Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the ODI lineup, adding major experience after the Test defeat.
- India face balance issues with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel unavailable; Arshdeep Singh leads a young pace attack.
- South Africa entered the ODIs with strong momentum after a historic 2–0 Test series win.
- Both squads feature key performers like Markram, Bavuma, de Kock, Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Marco Jansen.
- All three matches begin at 1:30 PM IST with live telecast on Star Sports and streaming on JioHotstar.
India Seek Redemption After Test Collapse
South Africa’s tour of India 2025 began with a shock for the hosts. The visitors sealed a 30-run win in the first Test at Eden Gardens, where India were bowled out for 93 while chasing a 124-run target. In Guwahati’s maiden Test, India endured an even heavier defeat—falling short by 409 runs while chasing 549. For the first time in 25 years, South Africa clinched a Test series in India, leaving Rishabh Pant’s team searching for answers.
Also Read: India Slip Below Pakistan in WTC Rankings After Historic 0–2 Home Whitewash Against South Africa
As the caravan moves to the white-ball format, India hope to regain rhythm with the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom played the ODI series in Australia earlier this year.
Return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Strengthens India’s Top Order
The biggest headline for India is the comeback of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Together, they bring unmatched experience, stability and more than 47,000 international runs. Kohli also rediscovered form with an unbeaten half-century in his last ODI appearance in Australia. Their return is vital in a side where top-order consistency has been under scrutiny, especially with Gill missing the series.
KL Rahul’s Leadership Tested Amid Injuries and Team Rebalance
KL Rahul, now 33, steps in as captain with the responsibility of guiding a team in transition. Rahul has 3,092 ODI runs at an average of 48.31 and brings both composure and adaptability.
His batting position at No. 5 appears settled, while India will look to Tilak Varma or Rishabh Pant at No. 4. Jaiswal is expected to open alongside Rohit, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as backup.
India Struggle With Team Balance and Bowling Depth
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel’s absence forces India to rethink their all-round options. The team will rely heavily on Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy to provide balance.
In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh leads a pace attack missing both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Young quick Harshit Rana is set to partner Arshdeep, while Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s frontline spinner.
India’s Predicted XI for 1st ODI:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (C/WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa Ride High After Historic Test Triumph
South Africa entered the ODI series with tremendous confidence. Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram played pivotal roles in the Test sweep, and their form will be closely watched. While Kagiso Rabada is absent, the visitors boast a strong attack featuring Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa’s Predicted XI:
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj.
Head-to-Head Record and Notable ODI Stats
India and South Africa have played 94 ODIs, with South Africa winning 51 and India winning 40. Three matches ended without a result.
Key ODI Statistics Between India and South Africa
| Category | Record | Player/Team | Venue | Year |
| Highest Total | 438/4 | South Africa | Mumbai | 2015 |
| Lowest Total | 83/10 | South Africa | Kolkata | 2023 |
| Most Runs | 2001 | Sachin Tendulkar | – | – |
| Highest Score | 200* | Sachin Tendulkar | Gwalior | 2010 |
| Most Wickets | 48 | Shaun Pollock | – | – |
| Best Bowling | 5/6 | Sunil Joshi | Nairobi | 1999 |
Match Schedule for India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025
| Match | Date | Venue | Time |
| 1st ODI | November 30 | Ranchi | 1:30 PM IST |
| 2nd ODI | December 3 | Raipur | 1:30 PM IST |
| 3rd ODI | December 6 | Visakhapatnam | 1:30 PM IST |
Where to Watch the Series Live
All three ODIs will be telecast on Star Sports Network and will be streamed live on JioHotstar for digital viewers.
Why This Series Matters for India’s Future
As India prepares for a limited number of ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, this series serves as a critical testing ground. It offers clarity on squad depth, allows senior players to reintegrate, and gives opportunities to emerging talents under pressure conditions.
The ODI contests against a confident South African side will reveal how quickly India can recover from their Test defeat and realign their white-ball plans.
FAQs on India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025
1. When does the India vs South Africa ODI series 2025 start?
The series began on November 30, 2025, with the first ODI in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur and Visakhapatnam.
2. Who is the captain of India for the IND vs SA ODI series 2025?
KL Rahul leads India in this series as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are unavailable due to injuries.
3. Which players return for India in the ODI series?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to strengthen India’s batting after missing recent fixtures and following the Test series defeat.
4. Where can fans watch India vs South Africa ODI series live?
The ODI series will be broadcast on Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.
5. What is the head-to-head record between India and South Africa in ODIs?
In 94 ODIs, South Africa have won 51 matches, India have won 40, and three games ended with no result.
