India’s probable ODI squad for South Africa series

The Indian cricket selectors are gearing up to announce the squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The process is complicated by the uncertainty surrounding regular captain Shubman Gill, who is recovering from a neck injury. Gill suffered the setback on Day 2 of the first Test in Kolkata and remains doubtful for the second Test in Guwahati, scheduled for November 22. If his condition requires caution, the team management is expected to give him additional rest during the ODI series beginning November 30.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel could face a significant challenge with Shreyas Iyer, India’s ODI vice-captain, likely to miss the series. Iyer suffered a serious injury during the third ODI against Australia in October and is still in recovery, making his participation in the upcoming ODIs against South Africa uncertain.

In Iyer’s absence, the selectors may turn to Tilak Varma for a place in the squad. The left-handed batter has already proven his skill in the middle order. Batting at number four, Varma remained unbeaten on 69 to steer India to a thrilling victory over Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup final earlier this year. Tilak Varma has appeared in only four ODIs for India so far, batting at numbers three, four, and five.

If Shubman Gill is unavailable for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, the selectors are likely to call up right-handed batter Ruturaj Gaikwad as his replacement.

Even if Gaikwad is selected, he might miss out, with left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal getting preference. Having played just one ODI, Jaiswal’s consistency and shot-making make him a strong backup, especially if Gill is unavailable.

If Shubman Gill is ruled out of the South Africa ODIs, KL Rahul could take over as India’s captain, while the rest of the squad is expected to remain identical to the lineup that faced Australia.

India’s Probable ODI Squad For South Africa Series: Ruturaj Gaikwad/Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal.