South Africa Tour of India ODI Series 2025
A Comprehensive Guide to Schedule, Venues, Squads, Key Players, Timings, and Full Match Insights
The South Africa tour of India ODI series 2025 is one of the most awaited bilateral cricket contests of the year. Both cricketing nations share a rich, competitive history in white-ball cricket, and this three-match ODI series promises high-intensity performances, fresh strategies, and crucial insights ahead of upcoming global tournaments. With India playing at home and South Africa arriving with a mixed combination of experienced players and new faces, the series has already generated widespread excitement among fans and analysts.
The ODI series begins on November 30, 2025, and concludes on December 6, 2025. All three matches will be played at popular Indian cricket venues: Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. The Indian team will be led by KL Rahul, who steps in as the stand-in captain for this limited-overs segment, while the South African team will be captained by Temba Bavuma.
This comprehensive article explains everything about the upcoming ODI series including the full schedule, venues, squads, probable playing elevens, match timings, player availability, pitch conditions, expected strategies, and FAQs.
Importance of the South Africa Tour of India ODI Series 2025
Bilateral ODI series hold immense importance because they help teams assess their preparedness for ICC events. India and South Africa are usually among the top ODI sides, making this series essential for team management from both countries. With major players being rotated, rested, or returning from injury, the series becomes critical for testing squad depth.
For India, this series is an opportunity to test youngsters such as Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad in pressure situations. With senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj rested, India will rely on backup options to deliver results.
For South Africa, the return of Quinton de Kock to the ODI setup attracts major attention. His comeback provides stability to their top order, while Bavuma’s leadership remains a critical aspect of their approach.
Series Start and Full Schedule
The South Africa tour of India ODI series 2025 features three day-night matches starting at 1:30 PM IST. Each game will be a crucial contest as both teams aim to secure momentum early in the limited-overs season.
Complete ODI Schedule
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1st ODI – November 30, 2025
Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
Start Time: 1:30 PM IST -
2nd ODI – December 3, 2025
Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Start Time: 1:30 PM IST -
3rd ODI – December 6, 2025
Venue: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Start Time: 1:30 PM IST
All three matches will follow a day-night format, allowing fans to enjoy competitive cricket during the late afternoon and evening.
Venues for the India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025
The selection of venues for this series offers a perfect combination of spin-friendly, batting-favored, and balanced tracks. Below is a detailed explanation of each venue and its importance for this series.
JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
Ranchi hosts the first ODI and is known for its balanced pitch that supports both spin and pace. Historically, the ground has produced high-scoring matches, but bowlers receive good assistance in the second innings under lights. The large outfield favors batters who rely on timing rather than power.
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Raipur is one of India’s most visually appealing stadiums with excellent crowd capacity. The pitch here typically allows stroke play, and teams batting first have often posted challenging totals. Spinners could play a vital role during the middle overs due to the dry surface.
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has been a brilliant venue for ODI cricket with consistent high totals. The surface is usually batting-friendly and offers early seam movement and late spin. This makes it a perfect decider venue for the final ODI of the series.
Number of Matches in the ODI Series
The series includes only three ODI matches, forming an essential part of the South Africa tour of India. Although the complete tour also consists of a Test series and a T20I series, the ODIs hold special significance due to their timing in the cricketing calendar. These matches allow both teams to experiment, rotate squads, and strengthen ODI depth.
India Squad Analysis for the ODI Series 2025
India enters the ODI series with a powerful yet experimental squad. KL Rahul leads the team as the stand-in captain, and the lineup features a mix of established stars and emerging talents.
India Probable Playing Eleven
Below is the expected Indian playing XI for the ODI series:
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Rohit Sharma
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Virat Kohli
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KL Rahul (Captain/Wicketkeeper)
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Rishabh Pant
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Tilak Varma
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Ruturaj Gaikwad
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Mohammed Shami
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Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel
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A backup pace option depending on conditions
Key Notes for India
• Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj are expected to be rested for this series.
• The spin department will play a critical role, especially in Ranchi and Vizag.
• Young batsmen like Tilak Varma and Gaikwad have the opportunity to secure long-term ODI positions.
Strengths of the Indian Squad
India possesses an experienced top order capable of dominating any attack. The presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ensures stability, while Yashasvi Jaiswal provides aggression at the top. KL Rahul’s dual role as captain and wicketkeeper brings reliability to the middle order.
Weaknesses and Challenges
The absence of frontline pacers like Bumrah and Siraj could test the bowling attack. The pressure will be on Shami and other pacers to maintain consistency, especially in death overs.
South Africa Squad Analysis for the ODI Series 2025
South Africa arrives for this series with a balanced squad under Temba Bavuma. The team includes seasoned campaigners and upcoming talents across departments.
South Africa Probable Playing Eleven
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Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper)
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Temba Bavuma (Captain)
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Aiden Markram
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Rassie van der Dussen
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Heinrich Klaasen
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Marco Jansen
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Andile Phehlukwayo
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Keshav Maharaj
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Lungi Ngidi
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Gerald Coetzee
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A supporting seamer or spinner depending on conditions
Key Notes for South Africa
• Kagiso Rabada is ruled out due to injury.
• Quinton de Kock’s return increases batting depth.
• Marco Jansen’s all-round abilities will play a vital role in Indian conditions.
• Keshav Maharaj’s spin will be crucial on slower surfaces.
Strengths of the South African Squad
South Africa’s batting remains strong with players like de Kock, Markram, and Klaasen. Their bowling lineup, despite lacking Rabada, has solid performers capable of exploiting Indian pitches.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Bowling without Rabada reduces South Africa’s edge in pace-friendly conditions. Consistency in the middle order has been a concern in recent bilateral series.
Pitch and Weather Predictions for Each Venue
Understanding pitch behavior is essential for predicting how the series might unfold.
Ranchi Pitch Analysis
• Balanced wicket
• Seam movement early on
• Spinners dominate the middle overs
• Batters can score freely once set
Raipur Pitch Analysis
• Batting-friendly
• Dry surface with mild turn
• Pacers require variations to succeed
Visakhapatnam Pitch Analysis
• High-scoring venue
• Ball comes nicely on the bat
• Spinners could be effective as the pitch slows
Weather Conditions
All three venues are expected to experience clear weather in late November and early December. Dew may affect evening sessions, especially in Ranchi and Raipur, making chasing easier.
Series Expectations and Predicted Strategies
India’s Predicted Strategy
• Strong reliance on top-order partnerships
• Utilizing spinners to control middle overs
• Testing bench strength in fast bowling
• Rotating all-rounders based on venue
South Africa’s Predicted Strategy
• Aggressive opening with de Kock
• Middle-order consolidation by Markram and Bavuma
• Heavy reliance on Ngidi and Jansen for breakthroughs
• Utilizing spin to counter India’s batting depth
Time Table of Matches (IST)
| Date | Match | Venue | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 30, 2025 | 1st ODI | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM IST |
| December 3, 2025 | 2nd ODI | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur | 1:30 PM IST |
| December 6, 2025 | 3rd ODI | Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 1:30 PM IST |
FAQs on South Africa Tour of India ODI Series 2025
When does the South Africa tour of India ODI series 2025 start?
The series begins on November 30, 2025, with the first ODI in Ranchi.
Where will the ODI matches be played?
All three matches will be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.
How many ODI matches are scheduled?
The tour includes three ODIs.
Who are the captains for the ODI series?
India is led by KL Rahul, while Temba Bavuma captains South Africa.
What is the start time for each ODI match?
Every match begins at 1:30 PM IST in a day-night format.
Who are key Indian players to watch in this series?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami.
Who are key South African players in the ODI series?
Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj.
Will Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj play in this ODI series?
Both are expected to be rested for workload management purposes.
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Final Thoughts
The South Africa tour of India ODI series 2025 promises exciting cricket, competitive performances, and vital insights for both teams as they continue preparing for major international tournaments. With world-class players, iconic venues, and strong fan engagement, this three-match contest will undoubtedly deliver memorable moments. Cricket enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly watching as India and South Africa renew their rivalry in Indian conditions across Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.