IND vs SA 1st ODI: Venkatesh Iyer debuts; Ashwin returns to India line-up after 4 years

After a 2-1 Test series loss, a new-look Team India took the field in the ODI series against South Africa. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss in the opening game of the 3-match series and opted to bat first at the Boland Park in Paarl.

India captain KL Rahul returned to his favourite opening slot, to partner senior batter Shikhar Dhawan.

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Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer made his ODI debut for India on brilliant performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Premier off-spinner R Ashwin, who was overlooked for more than four years in ODIs, also returned to India Playing XI.

Moreover, this is the first time since 2016 that Virat Kohli is playing an international game, not as a captain.

India Playing XI: KL Rahul (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.