Virat Kohli Eyes Hat Trick as India and South Africa Clash in Series Finale

In India, cricket is more than just a sport—it’s akin to a religion that unites people, even in challenging times. Presently, the nation is grappling with widespread disruptions in air travel. Despite last-minute flight cancellations and delays, cricket fans find momentary escape in speculating on the outcome as India prepares to battle South Africa this Saturday.

The anticipation is justified. After amassing a total of 1,401 runs, including four centuries, and taking 29 wickets, it’s tough to single out a frontrunner as the teams head into the decisive match of the series at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.

The South African team arrives with momentum, having achieved the joint-highest run chase against India on Indian soil with apparent ease. They narrowly lost the first ODI but astonished a packed stadium in Raipur by surpassing a 359-run target with four balls to spare.

The spotlight will inevitably fall on the toss once more, given the impact dew can have on the game, as seen previously. India’s unfortunate streak with the toss, having lost 20 consecutive times since the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal, adds to the challenge.

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This venue, however, has historically favored both the Indian team and Virat Kohli. India boasts a 7-2 win-loss record here, and Kohli has an outstanding average of 97.83 in seven ODIs at this ground, including three centuries.

India will also count on Rohit Sharma, another seasoned player, to lead by example. The Rohit-Kohli duo, in the twilight of their careers, continues to defy age-related expectations, showcasing both physical and mental prowess.

Support from the squad will be crucial, as only K.L. Rahul and Ruturaj Gaikwad have significantly contributed with the bat thus far. Much attention will be on Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has struggled to capitalize on good starts, particularly against left-arm pacers who have captured his wicket multiple times across formats.

India’s success will also rely heavily on the performance of its bowlers, particularly the young trio of Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh. As the coastal city has enjoyed cooler evenings recently, humidity could still influence the match.

While India has its entire squad available, South Africa awaits the scan results for Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, both of whom sustained hamstring injuries in the second ODI. Potential replacements include Ottneil Baartman and Ryan Rickelton.

Kohli achieved three consecutive ODI centuries only once in his career, with one of those being at this venue in 2018. Will he shine on this ground once more? Could India lose both the Test and ODI series at home for the first time since the 1986-87 season? Or will there be another turn in this gripping series?

Published on Dec 05, 2025