Why South Africa are wearing pink jersey in 1st ODI against India in Johannesburg?

Here’s why South Africa are wearing pink jersey in 1st ODI against India in Johannesburg.

After a disappointing end to their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign respectively in knockouts, India and South Africa have resumed their ODI rivalry at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa kicked-off on Sunday with a young Indian side taking on in-form Africans. South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat first against KL Rahul-led Indian team. 

South Africa will be marking this a special occasion as they go with their annual ritual of wearing pink jerseys. Proteas wear a pink jersey every year when they play an ODI game at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. South Africa usually wear green colour jerseys in limited-overs cricket as well as in other sports. Currently, South Africa are using a mix of green and yellow as their official jersey in limited-overs cricket. 

Why South African team wearing pink jersey?

Cricket South Africa marks the occasion of an ODI at Wanderers Stadium to raise awareness about breast cancer. South Africa started wearing pink jerseys after the World Cup in 2011. In 2012 they played with pink jersey for the first time and since then they have made it their ritual to stand up for the cause to raise awareness about breast cancer. Cricket South Africa also urged fans to come and support their side wearing pink jerseys on a large scale. 

Cricket South Africa’s CEO Pholetsi Moseki said, “We are delighted to once again raise awareness about breast cancer with cricket fans. To help in the fight against Breast cancer, awareness is not enough. We encourage people to be proactive and get screened.” Apart from this, Cricket Australia also marks third day of Sydney test every year as pink day to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Sai Sudarshan is making his debut for India in the ODI format. Sudarshan has been picked as a top-order batter in the playing XI, while KL Rahul will be taking charge for India batting at number 5 and also wicket-keeping. Sudharsan has become 253rd player to represent India in ODIs. South Africa had a dominating record in pink jersey as they have won 9 out of 11 ODI games. AB De Villiers smashed the fastest ODI ton (31 balls) wearing a pink jersey back in 2015.

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