CWC 2023: India vs South Africa match preview

The top two teams in the 2023 World Cup so far will face off in what should be an epic battle at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India are the only unbeaten side in the tournament so far. Their resounding victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai a few days back saw them book a berth in the semifinal, becoming the first team to do so. South Africa are also coming on the back of four consecutive victories, with their defeat against the Netherlands being the only blip in their journey so far.

India have suffered a massive blow ahead of the big game against South Africa. Hardik Pandya has been officially ruled out of the World Cup with Preasidh Krishna being announced as his replacement. However, that should not have any effect on their playing XI for this game.

South Africa might consider bringing in Tabraiz Shamsi for one of their four seamers if they feel the pitch will be low and slow and will assist spinners. If not, they have a strong enough first XI to stick with it.

IND vs SA fantasy tips

# Spinners have taken 10 wickets at an average of 36.30 and an economy rate of 4.80 in the two previous World Cup matches at this venue. The ball has gripped the surface and scoring against spin has been tough. Spinners from both sides, including Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Keshav Maharaj should make it to your side.

# Rohit Sharma was dismissed by a left-arm seamer in the last match. South Africa have Marco Jansen. Rohit also averages 11 against Lungi Ngidi in ODIs having been dismissed off him twice. Not picking Rohit in your XI is a risk you can take.

# Heinrich Klaasen avrages 49.7 and strikes at 97.6 against India in ODIs. He has been in great form in this World Cup and is one of the best players of spin going around. He also has a positive match up against Kuldeep Yadav, something not many players boast of having. He should certainly be in your side.

# The low scoring nature of the Eden surface will mean that there will be high chances that Ravindra Jadeja gets a decent opportunity to bat. He has got some runs under his belt in this World Cup and has been bowling well as well. He should be one of your top captaincy picks for this game given he can contribute in all departments.

India vs South Africa: Predicted XI

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

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

IND vs SA: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul, Heinrich Klaasen

Batters: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Keshav Maharaj, Kuldeep Yadav, Lung Ngidi

Captaincy options: Ravindra Jadeja, Heinrich Klaasen, Mohammed Shami

Potential swaps: Mohammed Siraj in place of KL Rahul, Gerald Coetzee in place of Lungi Ngidi