ODI World Cup 2023: India's strongest predicted playing XI against South Africa

In the 37th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, India (IND) are set to face off against South Africa (SA). After a commanding 302-run victory over Sri Lanka, the hosts of the marquee event are now comfortably placed at the helm of the points table. With seven consecutive wins under their belt, Team India has secured their spot in the World Cup semi-finals, making history as the first team to do so.

India boast of a formidable batting lineup, spearheaded by the dynamic captain, Rohit Sharma. The recent good form of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer has only strengthened the batting firepower of the side, as they gained valuable runs in the previous match against Sri Lanka. While KL Rahul has had a relatively subdued run of late, expectations are high for him to deliver a match-winning performance against South Africa.

Indian bowlers have been in scintillating form so far in the tournament, thereby appearing almost invincible. Notably, the addition of Mohammed Shami has bolstered the bowling attack significantly. The Indian pacers have amassed a remarkable 45 wickets in just seven matches, maintaining an impressive average of 18.57. Of these, Shami alone has claimed two five-wicket hauls. Their excellence extends to the powerplay, where they have already snared 15 crucial wickets.

Here's India's Predicted XI against South Africa:

Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill

Rohit Sharma is earning acclaim for his selfless approach to batting, prioritizing the team over personal milestones and playing with unwavering courage. As an opener, he consistently provides India with strong starts during powerplays. Although he was dismissed for just four runs in the previous match, Sharma has maintained outstanding form in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, amassing an impressive total of 402 runs in 7 matches.

Shubman Gill has been an ideal partner for Rohit Sharma at the opening slot. In the previous game versus Sri Lanka, Gill played a splendid innings, amassing 92 runs and falling just short of his first World Cup century. Over five matches in the tournament, he has contributed 196 runs at a decent average of 39.20, including two well-deserved half-centuries.

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav

Virat Kohli's love affair with centuries in cricket is well-established, yet his 49th ODI century continues to elude him. Against Sri Lanka, he notched up an impressive 88 runs. Kohli currently leads the run charts for Team India in the tournament, accumulating 442 runs in 7 matches. He has notched up a century and four half-centuries, showcasing remarkable consistency and top-notch form.

Shreyas Iyer faced a few challenges in finding his rhythm during the early stages of the tournament, except for a half-century against Pakistan. However, in the last match, he showcased his prowess with a brilliant 82-run innings, reaffirming his comeback to form. Across seven matches, this right-handed batsman has accumulated a total of 216 runs, accompanied by two well-earned half-centuries.

KL Rahul has notably adjusted his batting approach, adopting a more measured and patient style to build his innings. Despite situations in recent matches requiring an aggressive push in the latter overs, he's yet to unleash a game-changing innings. Across six innings, Rahul has accumulated 237 runs with an impressive unbeaten record thrice, maintaining a remarkable batting average of 79.0.

Check Here: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Surya Kumar Yadav, known for his T20 exploits, has encountered challenges in adapting to the ODI format. In the ongoing World Cup 2023, he has featured in three matches, amassing a modest total of 63 runs. While he displayed a sensible 49-run innings against England, his subsequent performances with the bat fell short of expectations. Yadav will be eager to deliver a standout performance in the upcoming match.

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja 

Ravindra Jadeja, entrusted as the sole all-rounder in the absence of Hardik Pandya, made a valuable contribution in the recent clash against Sri Lanka, crafting a sensible 35-run innings. In his three appearances as a batter, he has added 82 runs to the team's total. As a left-arm spinner, Jadeja has been instrumental in the bowling department, scalping an impressive tally of 9 wickets across 7 matches, maintaining a frugal economy rate of 3.78.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Kuldeep Yadav, despite his high standards, appears to be finding his peak form elusive in the ODI World Cup 2023. While he has maintained the exceptional form he exhibited in the Asia Cup 2023, he has encountered resistance from Indian pacers. Nevertheless, the left-arm spinner has excelled in the spin department, amassing 10 wickets in 7 matches with a bowling average of 26.40 and an economy rate of just 4.40.

Mohammed Shami continues to make a resounding impact in every match, effectively silencing any doubts regarding his place. The right-arm pacer's exceptional performance, including a splendid 5-wicket haul in the last match earning him the Player of the Match accolade, has been nothing short of spectacular. In just three appearances, he has plucked a remarkable 14 wickets with an astonishingly low average of 6.71 and an economical bowling rate of 4.27.

Jasprit Bumrah commands the helm of India's formidable pace attack and boasts the distinction of being their top wicket-taker in the ICC World Cup 2023. The right-arm pacer has masterfully secured 15 wickets in 7 matches at an astounding average of 14.60. Bumrah's tight grip on the game is further underscored by his exceptional economy rate of just 3.72, making him a crucial asset for the team.

Mohammed Siraj appears to have found his groove in the tournament, mirroring his standout performances from the Asia Cups, particularly against the same opposition in the previous match. His impressive display included a splendid 3-wicket haul against Sri Lanka. The right-arm pacer has notched 9 wickets in 6 matches. While his bowling average stands at 34.0, his economy rate remains respectable at 5.41.

Also See: Most Wickets in Cricket World Cup 2023

India's Probable Predicted XI:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk),  Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja,  Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj