Cricket fever to grip Saurashtra as India-A and South Africa-A face off in a thrilling three-match ODI series in Rajkot from November 13, 2025. Free entry for fans, royal stay for players, and a high-scoring pitch promise an unforgettable cricketing festival
Rajkot Set to Witness a Cricket Extravaganza
The city of Rajkot is gearing up for an electrifying cricket season as cricket fever to grip Saurashtra once again. Following India’s T20 victory over Australia, cricket lovers are now turning their attention to the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series between India-A and South Africa-A, starting November 13, 2025.
Both teams are set to arrive in Rajkot on November 10, where they will stay for ten days at the luxurious Sayaji Hotel on Kalawad Road. The series will take place at the iconic Niranjan Shah Stadium in Khandheri, with matches scheduled for November 13, 16, and 19, all starting at 1:30 PM.
Royal Hospitality for Players at Sayaji Hotel
To welcome the players, Sayaji Hotel has prepared a grand “Royal Rajwadi Theme,” transforming each room with décor inspired by Gujarat’s heritage and India’s royal palaces. Team India’s captain and coach will be provided with specially designed suites, while the other players will also enjoy premium amenities including a gym, swimming pool, and customized traditional Gujarati cuisine.
The menu has been designed to offer the players a taste of local delicacies. Breakfast will include gathiya, jalebi, and thepla, lunch will feature the Sayaji Special Gujarati Thali, and dinner will offer authentic dishes such as khichdi, kadhi, rotla, and chana curry.
For many players, including captain Tilak Varma, the Sayaji Hotel is a familiar spot—they have stayed here during previous tournaments and are eagerly looking forward to the hospitality once again.
Fans Rejoice: Free Entry for All Matches
Adding to the excitement, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has announced free entry for all cricket enthusiasts who wish to attend the matches. This decision has thrilled local fans, who are gearing up to witness high-octane action from their favorite emerging stars.
SCA officials believe that with India’s players in peak form, all three ODIs are likely to be high-scoring encounters, especially since Rajkot’s pitch is known to favor batsmen. The association is expecting large crowds and festive energy in the stands as cricket fever to grip Saurashtra in full force.
India-A’s Power-Packed Line-Up
Team India-A will be led by Tilak Varma as captain, with Ruturaj Gaikwad serving as vice-captain. After a strong T20 series win over Australia, the young squad looks confident and ready to dominate once again.
The team includes several rising stars and proven match-winners:
- Tilak Varma (Captain)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Vice-Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Riyan Parag
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Ayush Badoni
- Nishant Sindhu
- Vipraaj Nigam
- Manav Suthar
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Khaleel Ahmed
Fans are especially eager to watch Abhishek Sharma, who recently became the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 T20 runs and was named Man of the Series against Australia. With players like Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh in top form, experts expect a display of aggressive batting and sharp bowling throughout the series.
South Africa-A Squad Ready for the Challenge
The South Africa-A side, captained by Marques Ackerman, has also arrived in India with a balanced and determined squad featuring a mix of experienced and young talent. The visiting team’s lineup includes:
Marques Ackerman (Captain), Jordan Hermann, Synethembha Qeshile, Jason Smith, Delano Potgieter, Codi Yusuf, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Luan-dre Pretorius, Ottniel Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlal Mpongwana, and Nqabiyomzi Peter.
Cricket analysts expect the South African side to put up a strong fight, especially with players like Bjorn Fortuin and Kwena Maphaka, who have shown exceptional form in domestic circuits.
Rajkot’s Glorious Cricketing Legacy
Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium has a rich cricketing history, having hosted 11 international matches so far — including 3 Tests, 5 T20 Internationals, and 4 ODIs.
Earlier in January 2025, the stadium also hosted the Indian Women’s Team, who made history by defeating Ireland 3–0 in an ODI series. The success of that event has further strengthened Rajkot’s reputation as one of India’s top cricketing venues.
Now, with cricket fever to grip Saurashtra once again, local businesses, hotels, and transport services are preparing for a major boost in tourism and economic activity.
Pitch Report: A Batter’s Paradise
Rajkot’s pitch is known for its flat surface and consistent bounce — conditions that heavily favor batsmen. According to Saurashtra Cricket Association officials, fans can expect high-scoring thrillers as both teams are stacked with aggressive stroke-makers.
With Indian players in explosive form and South Africa’s bowling unit ready for the challenge, this series promises to deliver fireworks for spectators both on and off the field.
Complete Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Teams | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 13, 2025 | 1st ODI | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | India-A vs South Africa-A | 1:30 PM |
| November 16, 2025 | 2nd ODI | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | India-A vs South Africa-A | 1:30 PM |
| November 19, 2025 | 3rd ODI | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot | India-A vs South Africa-A | 1:30 PM |
Also read: PM Modi Meets World Champion Indian Women’s Team: A Historic Moment for Indian Cricket
A Festival for Cricket Lovers
From free entry for fans to royal treatment for players, Rajkot is leaving no stone unturned to ensure this event becomes a celebration of cricket. Hotels, local eateries, and streets around the stadium are already decorated in festive colors, symbolizing the joy and excitement that cricket brings to the region.
As cricket fever to grip Saurashtra, this ODI series is more than just a sporting event — it’s a showcase of hospitality, passion, and India’s deep love for the game.
