KL Rahul Assumes Captaincy for India’s ODI Series Against South Africa

Post by : Mara Rahim

The Indian cricket squad has made a significant decision for the upcoming three-match ODI series versus South Africa by appointing senior player KL Rahul as the interim captain. This adjustment arises from the neck injury that has sidelined regular captain Shubman Gill, who sustained the injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Due to this setback, Gill will miss the ODI matches, prompting the selectors to choose Rahul for this limited role available solely for the series.

Sources within the board clarified that Rahul’s leadership is intended solely for this series and is not a permanent alteration. Rishabh Pant, despite being a strong candidate for the captaincy, was not chosen due to his limited ODI experience over the past year. The board is optimistic about Gill's swift recovery, anticipating his return for India's subsequent ODI fixtures against New Zealand in January 2026. The series is set to start on November 30 in Ranchi, with follow-up matches in Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6.

Another highlight is the comeback of ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, returning to white-ball cricket after an eight-month hiatus. Jadeja’s last ODI was during the Champions Trophy final in Dubai back in March. His selection comes as Axar Patel is rested for this series. Jadeja also participated in the recent Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens as part of India's formidable spin contingent.

Workload management means some senior players won’t participate in this ODI series. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, after featuring in crucial Tests and T20Is, has been granted a break. His last ODI appearance was in the 2023 World Cup final. Mohammed Siraj is also undergoing rest following rigorous Test matches in Kolkata and Guwahati, while Axar Patel is missing out after touring Australia with the white-ball team. These rest intervals are crucial for his fitness for forthcoming tournaments.

Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal could see another chance in ODI cricket, having been part of the squad against Australia but not playing. He may partner with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. Virat Kohli, having retired from Tests and T20Is but still active in ODIs, is also in the squad, allowing fans to enjoy the classic Rohit-Kohli duo once more.

Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the ODI side after a stellar performance in India A's recent unofficial ODI series against South Africa A, where he scored 117, 68*, and 25 across three matches. With Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer recovering from injuries, Gaikwad has secured his position and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the format.

As senior players rest, younger talents will lead the pace attack, with Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy stepping into the fast-bowling roles. The spin department will feature Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Jadeja, providing a balanced bowling lineup suited to various pitch conditions.

The full squad for India’s ODI series comprises Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (captain & wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Dhruv Jurel.

This ODI series presents a crucial opportunity for India to blend seasoned players with emerging talents. With Rahul at the helm and Jadeja returning, the team is geared up to deliver strong performances despite being without key players like Gill, Bumrah, and Siraj. Fans eagerly await to see how this refreshed squad competes in South Africa.