India vs South Africa 2nd ODI preview: As the Ro-Ko frenzy heads to Raipur, India look to seal the series with another commanding show from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Full match preview, team news, stats and key insights.
The excitement reaches Raipur as the India vs South Africa 2nd ODI brings the Ro-Ko wave—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—back into the spotlight. With both legends in the twilight of their careers and focusing solely on ODIs, every match they play carries added weight, emotion and anticipation for the Indian fans.
Rohit recently smashed a century to close out the Australia series brilliantly, while Kohli bounced back from two ducks to hit a fifty and then a sublime hundred in the Ranchi ODI. With limited opportunities left to watch them live, Raipur’s crowd is expected to erupt as the Ro-Ko show continues.
India, however, also need runs from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had ordinary outings in their return to ODI cricket. While India were dominant early with the ball in the first ODI, South Africa’s lower order—Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch—showed remarkable fight to nearly chase 350. India will want to avoid such a scare again.
For South Africa, the mission is clear: stop the Ro-Ko juggernaut and level the series.
Match Details
- When: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – 1:30 PM IST
- Where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
- Weather: Clear skies
- Pitch: Only ODI here saw NZ skittled for 118; pacers may dominate.
Team News
India
India are expected to stick with the same XI, giving another chance to Jaiswal and Gaikwad. The only tactical debate is whether Washington Sundar continues at No.5 or swaps with Ravindra Jadeja.
Probable XI:
Jaiswal, Rohit, Kohli, Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (C/WK), Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa
Temba Bavuma should return, replacing Ryan Rickelton. Keshav Maharaj may come in for Prenelan Subrayen to strengthen the bowling.
Probable XI:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Markram, Bavuma (C), Breetzke, de Zorzi, Brevis, Jansen, Bosch, Maharaj, Burger, Baartman
Did You Know?
- Rohit Sharma has scored 335 runs in his last 5 ODIs, including a century and three fifties.
- Despite being a domestic giant, Ruturaj Gaikwad averages only 17.57 in ODIs.
Quote Corner
“It all just makes the series a lot more exciting.”
— Temba Bavuma on facing Rohit and Kohli.
