South Africa have suffered a massive blow ahead of the six-match ODI series against India when AB de Villiers was ruled out of the first three games due to a finger injury. The first India vs South Africa ODI will be played in Durban on February 1.
At a time when South Africa will put their number-one ranking on the line against second-ranked India, De Villiers injury has been rather ill-timed. According to Cricket South Africa, AB de Villiers sustained the injury to his right index finger during the third Test match against India at the Wanderers in Johannesburg and will require up to two weeks to make a full recovery.
To retain the top spot, South Africa will have to draw the series, while India can top the ODI table if they win the series by 4-2 or better. However, India will slip behind England by a fraction of a point if South Africa win the series by 5-1 or better.
South Africa expect De Villiers will recover in time for the fourth ODI at the Wanderers Stadium on February 10 . The selectors have opted not to name a replacement. South Africa won the three-Test series 2-1.