The Proteas have the momentum and confidence going for them in the ODI arena; they just wrapped up an ODI series win against a strong Australia at home. This is the first series win for South Africa with Mark Boucher as head coach and Quinton de Kock as captain.
South Africa now travel to India to play a three match ODI series. The first game is scheduled to take place on March 12 in Dharamsala; followed by an ODI game on March 15 in Lucknow. The third and final ODI taking place on March 18 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Proteas Confident Of Winning
South Africa has experienced a torrid couple of years in international cricket; but key changes made by Cricket South Africa (CSA) have been welcomed by both the players and fans. The first change was bringing in Mark Boucher as the head coach. Boucher is one of the most respected ex-players in South Africa and was known during his playing days as a fighter.
That’s the mentality he brings into his coaching style and the results have already materialized with South Africa beating the Aussies at home and clinching the recent ODI series. The second change is that Faf du Plessis has relinquished his role as captain across all formats and the leadership mantle has fallen on Quinton de Kock.
Quinny has done a good job in his short stint as captain so far and has already led the side in India. The Proteas have named a strong squad for the ODI series and will be confident of winning, given India’s recent performance in New Zealand.
South Africa Squad To India
The South African selectors have put together a nice mix of experienced and new players as they prepare for the future. A short ODI tour of India is perfect to give the new faces a glimpse into cricket in the sub-continent. At the same time, they have experienced cricketers who will be able to mentor and guide the younger players.
The two big names that return to the Proteas ODI squad are Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen. The two of them were rested for the recent ODI series against Australia and their return strengthens the batting line-up. It will be interesting to see how du Plessis plays as he is no longer burdened by the captaincy. When on song, du Plessis can be a very dangerous ODI player.
Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje bowled well in the ODI series against Australia; they will have to play a big role in India given that Kagiso Rabada is missing. Heinrich Klaasen has been in terrific form. Furthermore, the likes of David Miller and Jon-Jon Smuts have also got some runs under their belt.
ODI Squad:
Quinton de Kock (c, wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Beuran Hendricks and Keshav Maharaj.
Tough Challenge For Hosts Against Confident Proteas
India know that whenever they play South Africa they are under pressure. This time around the challenge is going to be a lot harder because of the ODI series in New Zealand.
India must win the first ODI to ease that pressure and get back to winning ways. The Proteas on the other hand will realize the importance of winning the first game; gaining that mental edge will serve them well for the rest of the series.
