India vs South Africa a five-match one day series starting today at Durban. After winning the only Twenty-20 international against South Africa quite comfortably by 21 runs, India start their 2011 campaign on high and look forward to start the ODI series on winning note.

Moreover, with the World Cup just around the corner, India will look forward to improve rankings as a win in the five-match series against South Africa could help Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men become the number one ODI team.

Currently ranked second in the ICC ODI rankings, India are expected to face stiff competition for the top spot from top ranked Australia, world number four South Africa and fifth ranked England. Meanwhile, India’s injury woes continued with medium pacer Praveen Kumar heading home after sustaining an elbow injury.

Ishant Sharma has been called as Kumar's replacement. Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have already flown back home to nurse their injuries, while Sreesanth developed tennis elbow a few days back.
On the other hand, South Africa will also hoping for some of their young talented players to perform better against India to start the ODI series on brighter note after twenty20 loss.

Overall, this series will provide great opportunity for both teams players to prove their metal at highest level.