The excitement is slowly building in Ranchi as India and South Africa get ready for the first ODI of the series. The match will be played on November 30, and both sides are coming in with different moods.
India are looking for a fresh start after a rough Test series while South Africa arrive with confidence.
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With big players returning for India and a packed crowd expected, many fans also want to know one basic thing- who will be in charge of the match on the field.
Who will officiate the India vs South Africa 1st ODI?
The 1st ODI will be overseen by an experienced group of officials. The ICC has appointed Richard Richardson as the match referee for the opening game in Ranchi.
On the field, the two standing umpires will be Sam Nogajski and J R Madangopal. Rod Tucker will take charge as the TV umpire for the match, handling all the close calls and reviews. The fourth umpire for the ODI will be Rohan Pandit.
| Match | Venue | Referee | On-field umpire 1 | On-field umpire 2 | TV Umpire | 4th Umpire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India v South Africa 1st ODI | JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi | Richard Richardson | Sam Nogajski | J R Madangopal | Rod Tucker | Rohan Pandit |
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Where is the match being played and what time does it begin?
The first ODI between India and South Africa will be played on November 30 at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. It is a day-night match beginning at 1:30 PM IST.
India enter this ODI series with a point to prove after a 0-2 Test loss. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back only for the ODI format now, this becomes an important stretch for them on the road toward the 2027 World Cup.
South Africa, on the other hand, are riding high after their landmark Test win on Indian soil after almost 25 years. Even without Kagiso Rabada, their white-ball squad looks balanced, and they will aim to start the series with momentum.
The two teams have played 94 ODIs, with South Africa leading the tally. India have won 40 matches, while the Proteas have taken 51, and three games ended without a result.
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