BCCI Ends Speculation: Rahul’s ODI Captaincy Not a Challenge to Gill’s Authority

KL Rahul has been named Captain of the Indian ODI team for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa starting November 30, 2025, after regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. The BCCI selection committee announced the squad on Sunday, confirming that senior keeper-batter Rahul will lead the side in Ranchi (November 30), Raipur (December 3), and Visakhapatnam (December 6). Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also unavailable following a medical procedure in Australia, leaving the selectors with limited options.

A senior BCCI source clarified to PTI that Rahul’s appointment is purely a “stop-gap” arrangement and does not threaten Gill’s long-term leadership role. The 25-year-old Gill had taken over the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma last month with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, and selectors remain committed to that vision. “Rahul’s captaincy is a one-off and should be seen in isolation,” the source said, adding that the board expects Gill to recover fully in time for the home ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026.

Rishabh Pant, currently leading India in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati in Gill’s absence, was reportedly not considered for the ODI captaincy. The reason, according to the source, is Pant’s lack of recent participation in the 50-over format—he has played just one ODI in the past 12 months, with his last appearance coming during the Sri Lanka tour in mid-2024, where he was an unused squad member for the Champions Trophy triumph.

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Rahul, 33, brings prior leadership experience, having captained India in 12 ODIs, including stand-in stints in the past. The Karnataka batter has been in good form with the bat and offers stability behind the stumps, making him the natural choice for this short series. The development ends speculation that Rahul’s elevation could spark a leadership tussle, with officials stressing that Gill remains the first-choice captain once fit. For now, Rahul will aim to guide a relatively young Indian side to a strong finish against a formidable South African outfit on home soil.

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