KL Rahul to lead India in ODIs vs SA

The BCCI has officially unveiled India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, beginning November 30. With regular captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer unavailable due to injuries, the selectors have handed the leadership responsibility to senior wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, marking his return as ODI captain at a crucial time in India’s preparation cycle for a demanding 2026 season. So Let’s take a look at KL Rahul to lead India in ODIs vs SA.

Rahul Returns as Captain Amid Injury Concerns

KL Rahul steps into the captaincy role at a moment when India’s squad has been disrupted by setbacks. Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the Test series in South Africa, remains under medical supervision and has been ruled out of the white-ball fixtures. Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, has not recovered in time to join the squad.

Interestingly, despite Rishabh Pant’s return to the ODI fold, the selectors have decided to retain young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who impressed during the Australia tour. His composure and growth potential keep him firmly in India’s long-term ODI plans.

Jadeja, Pant Strengthen the Middle Order

India’s ODI setup receives a boost with the return of several senior players. Ravindra Jadeja, now fully fit, reclaims his place, while Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad also feature prominently in the squad. Jadeja’s inclusion means Axar Patel misses out after an ordinary outing in Australia.

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been rested as part of workload management ahead of India’s packed Test schedule. With Hardik Pandya still sidelined, young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy continues to hold his spot following promising recent performances.

Kohli, Rohit Headline Batting Group; Pace Department Looks Thin

The experienced pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring stability to the top order, while Yashasvi Jaiswal may receive more opportunities to settle into the ODI setup. The pace attack, however, is relatively inexperienced, with only three frontline fast bowlers—Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna—named in the squad. This places a heavier burden on India’s spin trio of Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar to deliver across all phases of the innings.

India’s Squad for South Africa ODIs

KL Rahul (c/wk), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel

FAQ

1. Why is KL Rahul leading the ODI team?

Rahul is captaining because Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are injured and unavailable for the series.

2. Why is Axar Patel not part of the squad?

Axar was omitted after a below-par performance in Australia, coupled with Jadeja’s return.

3. Who are the new or young players to watch?

Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Tilak Varma are the key emerging names.

4. When will the ODI series be played?

November 30 (Ranchi), December 3 (Raipur), and December 6 (Visakhapatnam).

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BCCI Announces India’s ODI Squad for South Africa Series: KL Rahul to Lead