South Africa vs India 2018: Predicted playing XI for first ODI

Shikhar Dhawan

He needs to score big this time in order to preserve his spot in the playing XI

With the constant threat of Ajinkya Rahane as a reserve opener looming, it is time for Dhawan to show that he can perform whenever the team demands. Ever since his return at 2017 Champions Trophy, Dhawan has been in tremendous form, scoring runs in every subsequent series.

It is his inconsistency with the bat that earns him the backlash of the fans. Ajinkya Rahane might get a chance to play sometimes in the series, but for the first match, it's Shikhar Dhawan who will partner Rohit Sharma in Durban.