South Africa captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and chose to bat against India in their World Cup clash at Southampton on Wednesday.
In India's World Cup opening match, skipper Virat Kohli will lead the Men in Blue against a struggling South Africa.
The current team does have potent match-winners with the skipper himself being the biggest of them all but it still misses the aura, the 'class of 2011' under Mahendra Singh Dhoni had.
But this team, led by Kohli and mentored by Dhoni, has had its share of good results and six wins in nine games would ensure a smooth passage into the semifinals.
South Africa has faced back-to-back defeats against England and Bangladesh in the World Cup so far.
Trouble for the Proteas seem to be mounting as fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is out with a hamstring strain. Dale Steyn is still recovering from a shoulder injury and Hashim Amla is out after beign on the helmet in the opening game against England.
However, Kagiso Rabada could make the difference for the South Africans with one fiery spell.
Team India, however, can take the opportunity to kick off their campaign on a positive note.
(With inputs from PTI)
