Andile Phehlukwayo and Ottniel Baartman are expected to miss the final two ODIs against India.

The news that pacer Ottniel Baartman and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo will miss the final two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) current three-game series against India is a big blow. In the first ODI against India, Andile Phehlukwayo experienced a left-side strain, while Ottniel Baartman, remarkably, suffered a right-side injury during training.

According to the ICC, pacer Beuran Hendricks has been named as the injured player’s replacement. In eight One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for South Africa, the 33-year-old has claimed five wickets. In addition, he has participated in one Test match and 19 T20Is since making his debut in 2014.

Due to the Men in Blue’s dominance in Johannesburg, South Africa is currently trailing in the ODI series after drawing the T20I series. These two injuries might potentially cause further problems for the country. Against South Africa in the second ODI of the series, Team India will want to provide yet another outstanding performance. The visitors, under the leadership of KL Rahul, made a spectacular start to the 50-over series after winning the first ODI with ease.

India trounced South Africa in the opening ODI, with debutant Sai Sudharsan shining at bat.

In the opening one-day international, the Proteas batted first but could only muster 116 runs before being bowled out. Arshdeep Singh secured the most wickets, with five in total. Kuldeep Yadav scored one, and Avesh Khan claimed four as well.

In an attempt to pursue the acceptable aim, rookie Sai Sudharshan displayed his class by hitting 55 runs off of 43 deliveries. In addition, Shreyas Iyer scored 52 runs off 45 deliveries to help India win by eight wickets. With a series lead, India will be looking for an even more outstanding performance in the second ODI, which is set to take place on Tuesday, December 19, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.