India Squads for South Africa ODIs, T20Is: KL Rahul to Captain ODIs, Focus on Kohli and Rohit's Return
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a series against South Africa, featuring three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The squads for both formats are generating significant buzz, especially concerning the captaincy and the return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
KL Rahul is set to lead India in the ODI series, marking his return to captaincy after nearly two years. Shubman Gill, initially appointed as ODI captain, is likely to miss the series due to a neck injury. Gill's injury, sustained during a Test match, is more serious than initially assessed, potentially sidelining him for the T20I series as well. With Shreyas Iyer also out due to a rib cage injury, Rahul emerges as the most experienced and viable captaincy option.
Rahul has previously captained India in 12 ODIs, securing 8 wins and facing 4 losses. He last led the team in South Africa in December 2023. Despite being removed from the vice-captaincy in 2023, his consistent performance and wicket-keeping skills have solidified his position in the ODI squad.
The ODI series will also mark the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket. Both players last played an ODI against Australia on October 25, where they remained unbeaten. Kohli scored 74 not out, while Sharma scored 121 not out. Having retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup and with Sharma's Test retirement in May 2025, they now exclusively play ODI cricket. Their presence in the squad adds considerable experience and stability.
The ODI series commences on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by matches on December 3 in Raipur and December 6 in Vizag. After the ODI series, India and South Africa will compete in a five-match T20I series across five different venues. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the T20I team, a role he has held since 2024.
With Gill potentially missing the T20I series, there may be changes to the T20I squad. Sai Sudharsan or Ruturaj Gaikwad could replace him. Yashasvi Jaiswal is also a contender for an opening position.
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had to consider several factors, including injuries and workload management, while finalizing the squads. The focus remains on finding the right balance between experienced players and emerging talent as India prepares for the series against South Africa.
