India vs South Africa ODI Series
India vs South Africa ODI Series – Squads, Stats and Records
India vs South Africa has developed into one of the strongest bilateral rivalries in ODI cricket. The matchup has featured some of the greatest batters and bowlers of the modern era, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock, Shaun Pollock and Dale Steyn. South Africa historically hold the overall ODI head-to-head advantage, although India have enjoyed greater success in recent series. The latest completed ODI series between the teams was played in India in November and December 2025, with India winning 2-1 after victories in Ranchi and Visakhapatnam.
India Squad for the 2025 ODI Series Against South Africa
| Player | Role | Batting/Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | Captain, wicketkeeper | Right-hand bat |
| Rohit Sharma | Opening batter | Right-hand bat |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opening batter | Left-hand bat |
| Virat Kohli | Top-order batter | Right-hand bat |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter | Right-hand bat |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | Left-hand bat, off-spin |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-batter | Left-hand bat |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-batter | Right-hand bat |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder | Left-hand bat, left-arm orthodox |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | Left-hand bat, right-arm off-spin |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder | Right-hand bat, right-arm medium-fast |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spin bowler | Left-arm wrist-spin |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler | Left-arm fast-medium |
| Prasidh Krishna | Fast bowler | Right-arm fast |
| Harshit Rana | Fast bowler | Right-arm fast |
KL Rahul captained India because regular ODI captain Shubman Gill was unavailable with a neck injury. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provided experience, while Jaiswal, Gaikwad, Tilak and Nitish Kumar Reddy represented the younger part of the squad.
South Africa Squad for the 2025 ODI Series Against India
| Player | Role | Batting/Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma | Captain, batter | Right-hand bat |
| Aiden Markram | Batter | Right-hand bat, off-spin |
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper-batter | Left-hand bat |
| Ryan Rickelton | Wicketkeeper-batter | Left-hand bat |
| Tony de Zorzi | Top-order batter | Left-hand bat |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batter | Right-hand bat |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter | Right-hand bat, leg-spin |
| Rubin Hermann | Batter | Left-hand bat |
| Marco Jansen | Bowling all-rounder | Right-hand bat, left-arm fast |
| Corbin Bosch | Bowling all-rounder | Right-hand bat, right-arm fast-medium |
| Keshav Maharaj | Spin bowler | Right-hand bat, left-arm orthodox |
| Prenelan Subrayen | Spin bowler | Right-hand bat, off-spin |
| Lungi Ngidi | Fast bowler | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Nandre Burger | Fast bowler | Left-arm fast |
| Ottneil Baartman | Fast bowler | Right-arm fast-medium |
Temba Bavuma led South Africa’s ODI squad, with Aiden Markram also part of the leadership group. Quinton de Kock had returned to ODI cricket, while Kagiso Rabada missed the white-ball series because of a rib injury.
India vs South Africa ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 97 | 42 | 52 | 3 |
| South Africa | 97 | 52 | 42 | 3 |
South Africa continue to lead the overall ODI rivalry. Before the 2025 series, the record stood at 51 South African wins and 40 Indian wins from 94 matches, with three no-results. India’s 2-1 series victory in 2025 moved the totals to 42 wins for India and 52 for South Africa.
India vs South Africa 2025 ODI Series Results
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Ranchi | India won by 17 runs |
| 2nd ODI | Raipur | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | Visakhapatnam | India won by 9 wickets |
India started the series by scoring 349/8 in Ranchi and then dismissing South Africa for 332.
The second ODI became a high-scoring contest. India posted 358/5, but South Africa chased 359 by reaching 362/6 with four balls remaining.
The deciding match was far more comfortable for India. South Africa were bowled out for 270, after which India reached 271/1 in 39.5 overs to win by nine wickets and take the series 2-1.
Virat Kohli – Dominant Against South Africa
Virat Kohli has become one of the most successful batters in India-South Africa ODI history.
During the 2025 series, Kohli scored 302 runs from three innings at an average of 151. He made 135 in Ranchi, followed it with 102 in Raipur and then finished unbeaten on 65 in the deciding ODI. He was named Player of the Series.
Those performances strengthened an already outstanding record against South Africa. By the second ODI of the series, Kohli had moved beyond 1,600 ODI runs against the Proteas and had scored seven centuries against them.
His ability to control run chases and build long innings has made South Africa one of his most productive ODI opponents.
Rohit Sharma – Power at the Top
Rohit Sharma has also played numerous important ODI innings against South Africa.
He has not accumulated runs against them at the same average as Kohli, but his ability to accelerate in the powerplay and middle overs has repeatedly put South African bowlers under pressure.
In the 2025 series, Rohit scored 146 runs and registered two half-centuries, including 75 in the deciding ODI at Visakhapatnam.
Rohit’s broader ODI career places him among India’s all-time greats, and by 2026 he had passed 12,000 ODI runs.
Quinton de Kock – South Africa’s Century Specialist
Quinton de Kock has historically been one of India’s most difficult ODI opponents.
He has scored six ODI centuries against India, matching AB de Villiers for the most hundreds by a South African in this rivalry.
De Kock returned to the ODI setup before the 2025 tour and remained a major threat at the top of the order.
In the deciding ODI, he scored 106 from 89 balls and gave South Africa a platform before India’s bowlers recovered to dismiss the side for 270.
His attacking left-handed style has often been effective against India’s new-ball bowlers.
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma
Aiden Markram has become one of South Africa’s main multi-format batters and provides additional value through his off-spin.
He scored a century during the 2025 ODI series, making 110 and finishing with 118 runs across the three matches.
Temba Bavuma captained South Africa during the tour and provides a different type of batting role. Rather than relying only on boundary hitting, Bavuma’s game is built around placement, strike rotation and constructing partnerships.
Both players form an important part of South Africa’s plans toward the 2027 World Cup.
Kuldeep Yadav – India’s Major Bowling Threat
Kuldeep Yadav has an outstanding ODI record against South Africa.
Through the 2025 series, he had taken 36 wickets from 16 matches against them at an average of 17.58, with best figures of 4/18.
Kuldeep was particularly important during India’s historic 5-1 series victory in South Africa in 2018, when his wrist-spin repeatedly caused problems for the home batting lineup.
He also starred in the deciding ODI of the 2025 series, taking 4/41 at Visakhapatnam.
Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODIs
| Player | Team | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 2,001 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1,535+ |
| Virat Kohli | India | 1,600+ |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 1,300+ |
| Gary Kirsten | South Africa | 1,300+ |
Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in the rivalry with 2,001 ODI runs from 57 matches. His record includes five centuries and eight half-centuries.
Tendulkar’s most famous innings against South Africa was his unbeaten 200 at Gwalior in 2010.
Best Batting Performances in India vs South Africa ODIs
| Player | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 200* | Gwalior | 2010 |
| Virat Kohli | 160* | Cape Town | 2018 |
| AB de Villiers | 119 | Mumbai | 2015 |
| Quinton de Kock | 135 | Johannesburg | 2013 |
| Virat Kohli | 135 | Ranchi | 2025 |
Tendulkar’s 200 not out remains the highest individual ODI score in the rivalry.
He reached the landmark from 147 balls and became the first male batter to score a double century in ODI cricket.
That innings helped India post a huge total and remains one of the defining moments of ODI history, not just the India-South Africa rivalry.
Most Wickets in India vs South Africa ODIs
| Bowler | Team | Wickets | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 48 | 5/37 |
| Anil Kumble | India | 46 | 4/25 |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | 46 | 5/29 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | India | 36 | 4/18 |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 34 | 5/50 |
| Harbhajan Singh | India | 31 | 3/27 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 31 | 3/3 |
Shaun Pollock is the leading wicket-taker in India-South Africa ODIs with 48 wickets, while Anil Kumble leads India with 46. Kuldeep is rapidly approaching those historical totals after his strong record in recent years.
Best Bowling Performances
| Bowler | Team | Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Sunil Joshi | India | 5/6 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | India | 5/22 |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | 5/29 |
| Hansie Cronje | South Africa | 5/32 |
| Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 5/37 |
| Lance Klusener | South Africa | 5/42 |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 5/50 |
Sunil Joshi holds the record for the best bowling figures in the rivalry with 5/6.
Yuzvendra Chahal produced another famous Indian spell in 2018, taking 5/22 at Centurion as South Africa were dismissed for 118.
Famous India vs South Africa ODI Series
2006-07 – South Africa Win 4-0
South Africa dominated India at home and won the series 4-0. India struggled badly against pace and bounce, making the tour one of their toughest ODI assignments of that era.
2010 – Tendulkar’s Double Century
India won the three-match home series 2-1, but the tournament is remembered primarily for Tendulkar’s 200* at Gwalior.
AB de Villiers was South Africa’s leading scorer in the series with 241 runs, while Tendulkar scored 204 runs from only two innings.
2015 – South Africa Win in India
South Africa won a closely contested five-match series 3-2.
The deciding ODI in Mumbai became famous for South Africa’s massive batting performance, including centuries from Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers.
2018 – India Win 5-1 in South Africa
India’s 2018 tour remains one of their greatest overseas ODI series performances.
India won 5-1, their first bilateral ODI series victory in South Africa.
Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal dominated with wrist-spin, while Virat Kohli produced a huge batting series.
2021-22 – South Africa Sweep India
South Africa responded strongly in the 2021-22 series by winning all three matches.
They won the first ODI by 31 runs, the second by seven wickets and the third by only four runs.
2023 – India Win 2-1 Away
India won the 2023 series in South Africa 2-1.
They dominated the first ODI by eight wickets, lost the second by the same margin and then won the decider at Paarl by 78 runs.
2025 – India Win Another Series
The latest series continued India’s improved results against South Africa.
Virat Kohli scored 302 runs, India won two of the three matches, and the decisive nine-wicket victory in Visakhapatnam completed a 2-1 series win.
Conclusion
India vs South Africa ODI cricket has produced nearly 100 matches and some of the format’s most important records.
South Africa still lead the all-time head-to-head with 52 wins from 97 matches, compared with India’s 42, while three matches have ended without a result.
Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in the rivalry with 2,001 runs and also owns the highest individual score with his historic 200 not out at Gwalior.
Shaun Pollock leads the bowling records with 48 wickets, while Anil Kumble is India’s leading wicket-taker with 46. Sunil Joshi’s 5/6 remains the best innings analysis.
Recent results have increasingly favored India. They won 5-1 in South Africa in 2018, 2-1 away in 2023 and 2-1 at home in 2025.
The latest series was dominated by Virat Kohli, who scored 302 runs and was named Player of the Series. With younger players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis joining established stars, the India-South Africa ODI rivalry continues to develop ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
FAQs
How many ODIs have India and South Africa played?
India and South Africa have played 97 ODIs through the 2025 series.
Who has won more India vs South Africa ODI matches?
South Africa lead the head-to-head with 52 wins, compared with India’s 42.
Who won the latest India vs South Africa ODI series?
India won the 2025 series 2-1.
Who captained India in the 2025 ODI series against South Africa?
KL Rahul captained India because Shubman Gill was unavailable through injury.
Who captained South Africa in the 2025 ODI series?
Temba Bavuma captained South Africa.
Who scored the most runs in the 2025 India vs South Africa ODI series?
Virat Kohli scored 302 runs in three innings and was Player of the Series.
Who has scored the most runs in India vs South Africa ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar leads with 2,001 runs.
What is the highest score in an India vs South Africa ODI?
Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 200 at Gwalior in 2010 is the highest individual score.
Who has taken the most wickets in India vs South Africa ODIs?
Shaun Pollock leads with 48 wickets.
Who has taken the most ODI wickets for India against South Africa?
Anil Kumble leads India with 46 wickets.
What are the best bowling figures in India vs South Africa ODIs?
Sunil Joshi took 5/6, the best figures in the rivalry.
When did India first win an ODI series in South Africa?
India won their first bilateral ODI series in South Africa in 2018, taking the six-match series 5-1.
How did India perform in the 2023 ODI series in South Africa?
India won the series 2-1.
What is Virat Kohli’s highest ODI score against South Africa?
Kohli’s highest ODI score against South Africa is 160 not out.
Who has scored the most centuries in India vs South Africa ODIs?
Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers have six centuries each, while Virat Kohli moved to seven centuries against South Africa after the 2025 series.
Rivcky John
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