India is set to play three ODI matches against South Africa across Ranchi, Raipur and Vishakhapatnam

The Test series between India and South Africa is done and dusted, unfortunately going in the Proteas’ favour, breaking India’s dominance on home soil in Tests. Up next, the Men in Blue now hope to turn things around in their favour by winning the three-match ODI series, which will be played across Ranchi, Raipur and Vishakhapatnam.

Ahead of the first game, let us look at the results of India’s last ODIs played in the above-mentioned venues.

India vs. South Africa, JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi

(Credit- Sportsrush)

India will pick up from where it left off, i.e., a match against South Africa played at the stadium on October 9, 2022. Batting first, South Africa had posted a score of 278 runs, thanks to 74 and 79 runs from Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram, respectively. In response, Ishan Kishan scored 93 runs in 84 balls, whereas Shreyas Iyer stole the show with 113 runs, helping India chase the target with seven wickets in hand and 25 balls to spare.

India vs. New Zealand, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur

ODI cricket returns to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after a hiatus of two years in what will be the second-ever international match to be hosted by the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Yes, the stadium has hosted only one international match to date, which was an India versus New Zealand match played on January 21, 2023.

(Credit- ESPNcricinfo)

India’s bowling unit displayed absolute dominance, with Mohammed Shami picking three wickets, whereas Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar grabbed two wickets each. The entire Kiwi batting line-up was dismantled within 108 runs.

The target was chased by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who scored 51 and 40 runs, respectively, and closed the deal in 20.1 overs with eight wickets in hand.

India vs. Australia, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

Unlike the other venues where India won its last ODI, at Visakhapatnam, India did not have the same luck on March 19, 2023, when the Men in Blue played their last ODI game against Australia. In fact, the game was one of the lowest points in India's ODI history, as the team was wrapped up by the Australian bowling line-up for merely 117 runs.

(Credit- NDTV Sports)

Mitchell Starc had picked five wickets for 53 runs, and from India’s dugout, only Virat Kohli and Axar Patel’s innings were worth noting. The 117 runs were chased by Australia’s Travis Head (51) and Mitchell Marsh (66) in 11 overs without the loss of a single wicket.

For India, especially coach Gautam Gambhir, the upcoming series will be crucial. The Men in Blue must win and prove that they are preparing in the right direction, which will lead to the ICC World Cup 2027. If the team suffers another loss, several players and Gautam Gambhir could be shown the exit door.