Talking Points: India's senior core steps up, bowlers tested

Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI century, supported by half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, propelled India to a commanding 349 in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. India dominated much of the contest with the bat, though South Africa mounted a spirited chase before the hosts secured a 1-0 series lead.

RO-KO still central to India's ODI plans

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal's early dismissal for 18, India relied on the seasoned pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to build their innings. The pitch offered true bounce and good carry initially, but slowed as the ball aged. Rohit, dropped early by Tony de Zorzi, capitalized on the reprieve, racing to a 43-ball fifty shortly after Kohli reached his half-century off 48 deliveries. India surged to 80 in the first 10 overs and 153/1 after 20, setting a strong foundation.

After Rohit's departure, India faced a wobble as Ruturaj Gaikwad fell cheaply and Washington Sundar contributed little, allowing South Africa to apply pressure. Kohli anchored the recovery, absorbing pressure en route to his 52nd ODI hundred before accelerating sharply with four fours and two sixes in seven balls. KL Rahul provided steady support, and Ravindra Jadeja added a late cameo, underscoring the continued influence of India's senior batters.

Post-match, Kohli confirmed his ODI-only focus: "Yes, that's how it's always going to be, I'm just playing one form of the game."

A testing time for the Indian bowlers

South Africa were 130/5 in the 22nd over when Marco Jansen ignited a counter-attack, reminiscent of his Test heroics in Guwahati. He hammered 70 off 38 balls, including a 26-ball fifty, targeting Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh to reduce the equation to 123 from 17 overs. Kuldeep eventually dismissed him with a half-tracker, but Jansen's assault exposed India's bowling vulnerabilities.

Even after Jansen and Matthew Breetzke fell, Corbin Bosch kept South Africa in the hunt with his maiden fifty, narrowing the target to 18 off the final over from 270/8 in the 40th. Though India held on, the bowling unit's inexperience compared to the batting lineup remains a concern.

Toss and dew: what do you do?

Losing the toss and batting first with dew expected later leaves one option: post a big total to offset the conditions. India have now lost the toss in 19 consecutive ODIs—a streak with a probability of 1 in 524,288. Before this match, they had batted first seven times in this sequence, losing four. Their three wins included totals of 356 against England in Ahmedabad and 296 against South Africa in Paarl. When restricted to 264 or less, chasing sides found it easier without scoreboard pressure.

This time, India's batters delivered a 300-plus total—only their second in eight matches when batting first. Unless the toss luck turns, the batting must continue to carry the load, especially with a less experienced bowling attack.