India gears up to play its first game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against South Africa and will be hoping to get off the mark straight away. Awaiting them is the Proteas who are having a tournament to forget so far. Troubled by injuries to Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi, their bowling department has lacked the teeth needed to excel at the highest level. They will need to ring in a few changes against India and hope the combination clicks. India do not have any injury worries despite a concern with talisman Virat Kohli hurting his thumb. A quick look at the players we think can make a huge difference in the game. South Africa vs India Cricket Score 8th ODI Match in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The best batsman on the planet can single-handedly win games for his country. He had a brilliant tour of South Africa last year where he took a liking for their bowling attack. With South African bowlers low on confidence, Kohli will be the last batsman they will look forward to facing. His leadership skills will also be tested against the South Africans who are looking to bounce back. IND vs SA Head-to-Head Record: Ahead of ICC CWC 2019 Clash, Here Are Match Results of Last 5 India vs South Africa Encounters!

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni of India (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

He got a hundred against Bangladesh in the warm-up game to announce his arrival in England in style. Dhoni as a batsman along with a guiding force behind the stumps is crucial for India’s cause. The wealth of experience he brings to the field helps the youngsters around him. In the past two years, he has won many games for India from difficult situations.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

We saw in the ODI series in South Africa last year the struggles of the hosts against Kuldeep Yadav. Most of the time the Proteas batsman looked clueless against the chinaman with his variation making them look ordinary. Kuldeep Yadav will be eager to face them once again, this time in the all-important World Cup.

Faf Du Plessis

Faf du Plessis (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The Proteas skipper was looking good against Bangladesh but his dismissal changed the complexion of the game which his team ultimately lost. Known for his calm head and excellent batting technique, Faf Du Plessis will have to make sure his squad believe in themselves that they are capable of defeating India.

India Vs South Africa CWC19 Preview: Playing XI, Head to Head and Key Battles to Watch Out For

Important game coming up for the South Africans as they must get their first points on board. It is not going to be easy though against an Indian team that has been on top in the fifty over format off late.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 05, 2019 11:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).