KL Rahul named stand-in captain for South Africa ODIs

The Indian cricket team faces another test of strength. Just a few days after the end of the Test series against South Africa, the team enters the ODI format, and what many feared has happened. Newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, who recently replaced Rohit Sharma, suffered a neck injury in the first Test match. With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer absent due to recovery, this forced the selectors to urgently look for a replacement. And KL Rahul named stand-in captain for South Africa ODIs.

A logical choice for a captain

The solution, however, seems quite logical. It may come as a surprise to some, but let’s remember: Rahul has had similar experience before. It was under his leadership that India won the ODI series against these same Proteas in 2023. So the team is in good hands. Moreover, Rahul remains the first choice as a wicketkeeper-batsman, making him a central figure in the emerging combination.

KL Rahul named stand-in captain for South Africa ODIs: squad balance

But you’ll have to tinker with the combinations. If you’ve watched the latest Test matches, you’ll probably be aware of how fragile a team’s balance can be. The loss of two key central players, Gill and Iyer, creates a serious hole. To fill it, the selectors called on Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Both are already familiar with the ODI format, although they have not appeared in the blue shirt much recently. Gaikwad, for example, showed himself excellent for India A against South Africa A, including a century, which undoubtedly played a role in his selection.

But let’s take a closer look at the lineup. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two pillars of Indian cricket, are still in action and will lead the batting line. Along with young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has just one ODI under his belt, they form a formidable top three. However, who exactly will open the innings alongside Rohit is a question that the coaching staff will answer on match day.

The most interesting story, perhaps, revolves around the wicketkeepers; there are three of them in the application! KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel. For Pant, it could be a long-awaited return to ODI play after the 2024 series in Sri Lanka.

Rahul, as captain and main wicketkeeper, is likely to play that role, leaving Pant and Jurel as specialist batsmen. However, in cricket, you can never be 100% sure.

We’re expecting equally significant changes in the bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are rested after a challenging Test series. Their burden will have to be carried by Harshita Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arship Singh. This is, frankly, not the most experienced group, and they will bear a huge responsibility. Will Harshit Rana, who has excelled in the IPL, be able to replicate his success on the international stage and will Prasidh Krishna be able to return to his best form? The outcome of the series largely depends on the answers to these questions.

The spin section looks more balanced. Ravindra Jadeja returns to the lineup, replacing Akshar Patel, which was expected. Along with Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, India has three quality options for the slow-paced attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy, however, has been included as an all-rounder, which speaks to the selectors’ desire to give young talent a chance, especially in light of Hardik Pandya’s continued absence.

South Africa’s line-up, as is often the case in ODIs outside major tournaments, could also present surprises. The team is expected to arrive without some of its stars, who are focused on franchise leagues, but with a group of young players. This makes the series completely unpredictable.

So, the schedule of matches is as follows:

• 1st ODI: November 30, Ranchi.
• 2nd ODI: December 3, Raipur.
• 3rd ODI: December 6, Visakhapatnam.

This series won’t just be a battle for victory for India, but an important preparation for future challenges, including the T20 World Cup at home next year. Meanwhile, KL Rahul named stand-in captain for South Africa ODIs. Expect a tense and spectacular fight.