NEW DELHI: India heads into the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday with a mix of confidence and questions. Confidence, because Virat Kohli’s imperious 52nd ODI century and Rohit Sharma’s brisk 57 paved the way for a 17-run win in the series opener at Ranchi. Questions, because off the field, whispers about differences with head coach Gautam Gambhir have grown louder.Kohli and Rohit are not just playing to win games—they are also auditioning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, two years away in South Africa. Having set up two consecutive victories for India in last as many ODIs—including a nine-wicket hammering of Australia at Sydney in October—Kohli and Rohit have shown they will do everything possible to be on that flight to the World Cup in South Africa. Both chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir have remained non-committal about their World Cup participation, which seems to be at the center of simmering tensions.On the field, India’s combination still looks unsettled. Ruturaj Gaikwad, a consistent performer in List A cricket, was moved from opening to No. 4. He didn’t look completely comfortable, while stand-in captain KL Rahul held firm at No. 6. Washington Sundar, who has seen plenty of batting experiments, batted at No. 5 and fell during a slow phase for India. He bowled only three overs for 18 runs.Harshit Rana made his mark with two early wickets using the new ball but leaked runs in the latter stage. The ICC’s rule allowing only one ball to be continued from the 34th over adds another layer of challenge for bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav’s variations won India crucial wickets, ending with 4/68, making the difference in a match South Africa nearly stole.Speaking of South Africa, they showed resilience after being reduced to 11/3. Marco Jansen tore into the Indian attack for a 70 off 39 balls, while Matthew Breetzke scored 72 on his first ODI against India. Their tail, led by Corbin Bosch, made India sweat before eventually falling short.The Proteas were without regular skipper Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, rested after their historic Test series win. Their return is expected in Raipur.Raipur itself is not a well-trodden path for India. In the only ODI previously played here, India dismantled New Zealand for 108 in January 2023 and won by eight wickets. In the only T20I here, against Australia in December 2023, India posted 174/9 and won by 20 runs.
