India vs South Africa ODI opener: Bavuma excited for Rohit–Kohli energy

South Africa tour of India 2025

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the presence of India’s “living legends” Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will bring a different on-field energy when the sides meet in the ODI series opener at JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi on Sunday.

The star duo, returning from the Australia ODI series in October, have drawn massive attention as fans debate whether they can sustain form and fitness for the 50-over World Cup in two years. The focus now shifts to their performance against Bavuma-led Proteas across Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam. Bavuma expressed excitement at sharing the field with them but added his captaincy approach and team tactics will remain unchanged, stressing leadership through batting and field strategy.