On Tuesday, December 19, the Men in Blue will attempt to complete the three-match series against South Africa at Gqeberha, moving the action from Johannesburg.
The ODI between India and South Africa will take place on the same day as the 2024 Indian Premier League auction. This major cricket auction happening in Dubai may overshadow interest in the day-night match. However, the contest between these two talented teams still promises excitement and skillful play.
However, there are indications that the second ODI is a match that should be watched despite this. With the T20I series deadlocked and some outstanding bowling displays in the first ODI, India’s trip of the Rainbow Nation has already yielded many unforgettable moments.
In light of the foregoing, here are three things to anticipate from India’s second ODI against South Africa.
1. Nandre Burger’s journey from domestic cricket to international debut
Nandre Burger has now represented his country in both white-ball forms. The dynamic left-arm bowler hasn’t had many wickets so far, but he seems to have a wonderful promise.
Burger has often reached speeds of close to 150 kmph and has gotten the ball to go both ways. He was unlucky not to have Sai Sudharsan trapped in front of the stumps in the previous game, when South Africa declined the opportunity to challenge the umpire’s not-out decision.
Even in international cricket, players like Burger are uncommon. In the absence of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Gerald Coetzee, the 28-year-old will be a player to watch on Tuesday.
2. Can Sai Sudharsan continue to make a statement?
In the inaugural One-Day International between South Africa and India, Burger wasn’t the only rookie. A cap was also distributed by the visitors, and B Sai Sudharsan made his senior team debut.
Sai Sudharsan got off to a great start, creaming a drive through cover to get things going. In his unbroken 55, he struck the boundaries nine times while playing second fiddle to Shreyas Iyer and putting away everything in his zone in an outstanding second-wicket partnership.
Sai Sudharsan is highly regarded by almost everyone, and whether he can maintain his strong start to international cricket will be a key narrative in the second ODI.
3. India’s options for the No.4 spot in Shreyas Iyer’s absence
Shreyas Iyer, who scored a half-century in the first ODI, will not play again in the series. The batter has been removed from the team in order to focus on the forthcoming two-Test rubber, which will be part of the World Test Championship in 2023-25.
Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh are India’s replacements for Shreyas. It remains to be seen which path the Men in Blue take, with both batters making legitimate claims to be on the team.
While Patidar has more ODI experience and is better placed to replace Shreyas at No. 3, Rinku has thrived in T20Is and has the game to be a match-winner in the 50-over format as well. Tilak Varma might be the guy to come in at the fall of the first wicket if Rinku comes in.
How India replaces Shreyas will provide insight into the team’s management’s thinking, which will be critical as they strive to recover from the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final.
