Needless to say, every single ODI assignment involving India will see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli headlining it. They
are among two of the biggest names in world cricket and at the twilight of their careers, this is the only format they
are playing. Given they aim to extend their international careers by almost another two years, the spotlight will
understandably be on them either way. From a fans' perspective, there has been plenty of excitement given their recent
Rohit hit a majestic ton to close out the Australia series in fantastic fashion and Kohli hit a fifty in the same game
after registering two ducks before that. On Sunday, the two players stood tall once again and this time it was Kohli's
turn to go past three figures. Undoubtedly, the capacity crowd would want this streak to continue, especially if they
take into account the fact that they might not see these two play live in front of them again. This venue has hosted
only two international matches so far and there are no guarantees the star duo would still be active by the time Raipur
hosts another international fixture.
The team management would also want runs from the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad after the duo had
middling outings on their return to ODI cricket. While there could be concerns around their inability to close out the
game comfortably after having South Africa 5 down very early in a tall run chase, the visitors definitely deserve credit
Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen and later Colin Bosch showcased that it's never over until it's over in this day and age
especially in a format where there's always plenty of time to claw back. If they had held their nerves in the final 10
overs, South Africa could have easily chased down 350 to send a statement. But now that's behind them, the immediate
focus will be on stopping the Ro-Ko juggernaut to give themselves the best chance of levelling the series.
India:The hosts will likely stick to the same combination and that means another opportunity for Yashasvi Jaiswal and
Ruturaj Gaikwad. It will be interesting to see if they stick to using Washington Sundar at 5 or swap slots with Ravindra
South Africa:For the visitors, Temba Bavuma should be back after being rested for the first game. Ryan Rickelton will be
expected to make way with Quinton de Kock returning to the top of the order. Keshav Maharaj could come in for Prenelan
"Nothing new, we have come across it. We have been on the bad end of it. But we have also had good times against them.
It all just makes the series a lot more exciting" - Temba Bavuma on facing Rohit and Kohli.