World Cup 2023 | IND vs SA, Match 37 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lojuoil5Quinton de Kock has been in brilliant form in the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Two of the most in-form and dominating sides in the competition, India (IND) and South Africa (SA) go toe-to-toe against each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. The mouth-watering encounter (Match No. 37) is all set to take place on a Super Sunday, November 05, 2023, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata at 14:00 PM IST. The host nation has been unstoppable with seven victories in as many games while the Proteas have also been solidly consistent with six wins in seven outings. Ahead of the clash between the table-toppers, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this exciting fixture.

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IND vs SA, 37th Match: Venue Analysis

The track at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is preferred by the batters. The surface is expected to slow down in the latter stages, offering favorable conditions for the spinners. 

Eden Gardens Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 33
Matches Won Batting First: 19
Matches Won Batting Second: 13
No Result: 1

Average First Innings Total: 234
Average Second Innings Total: 209

World Cup 2023 Record

Matches: 2
Matches Won Batting First: 1
Matches Won Batting Second: 1

Average First Innings Total: 216
Average Second Innings Total: 173
Highest Total Recorded: 229/10 by Netherlands vs Bangladesh
Lowest Total Recorded: 142/10 by Bangladesh vs Netherlands


IND vs SA, 37th Match - Toss Factor

Sides batting first and second have managed to win a game each out of the 2 matches played at this venue in this WC. The captain winning the toss may look to bat first and set up a big target.

Scenario: If India Fields First

Team India is on a roll with their seamers and the batters just dismantling the opposition so far in this WC. Pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have been deadly with their high-quality seam bowling. The former has snared the most scalps (15) while Shami has picked up 14 wickets in just three innings. Both will again will crucial for their side in restrcting the Africans to a low total. Virat Kohli, who will be playing on his Birthday, is always a threat in the run-chase.

Scenario: If South Africa Fields First

South African pace bowlers have also enjoyed their time in India so far. The trio of Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada are the leading wicket-takers for the Proteas. They will again play a vital role in containing the flow of runs against this strong Indian batting line-up. In-form wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock, who is leading the batting charts overall in this WC, will hold the key along with Aiden Markram in a big run-chase.


IND vs SA, 37th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If South Africa Fields First

Quinton de Kock (SA)

As mentioned above, Quinton de Kock has struck the most runs so far in this campaign. The left-hander has amassed 545 runs at a solid average of 78 with four centuries to his name. The left-handed opening batter also has a very good record against India in this format. de Kock will look to continue his rich vein of form ahead of the knockout stage.

Aiden Markram (SA)

Aiden Markram has racked up the second-most runs after de Kock for South Africa in this WC. The right-handed middle-order player has mustered 362 runs at an average of 60.33 with one hundred and three fifties. He will play a pivotal role if the Proteas are up against a huge target in Kolkata.


Scenario: If India Fields First

Virat Kohli (IND)

Star India batter Virat Kohli is leading the batting charts for his side so far in this tournament. The no. three right-handed player has scored 442 runs at a staggering average of 88.40 which includes one ton and four fifties. Kohli, who will be celebrating his 35th Birthday, loves chasing and will look to double up the joy on his special day by chasing down the targrt for his team.

KL Rahul (IND)

KL Rahul has 237 runs to his name at an average of 79.00 in six innings so far. The middle-order player has become an integral part of the batting line-up. If India lose quick wickets against this leathal South African bowling, Rahul will have to shoulder the responsibility in guiding his side home in a big run-chase.


IND vs SA, 37th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Shubman Gill (IND)

Talented opening batter Shubman Gill has struck 196 runs so far in five innings. Having missed  the initial games due to illness, Gill has come back and scored those runs at an average of 39.20. He played a solid knock of 92 against Sri Lanka last time out in Mumbai. Considering the form of the African bowlers, Gill might be a risky yet worthy pick.

Temba Bavuma (SA)

Skipper Temba Bavuma is yet to score a half-century in this WC. The right-handed opening batter has scored 111 runs in five innings at an average of 22.00 and with the best score of 35. Before the start of the WC, Bavuma was averaging 80 in 2023 with three hundred and two fifites. He is due for a big knock under his belt and this might well be the fixture.