In a major selection twist, KL Rahul has been handed the captaincy reins for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, stepping in after regular vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out with a neck injury sustained during the ongoing Test series. Gill, who missed the second Test in Guwahati, failed to recover in time, paving the way for Rahul to lead the 50-over side for the first time since 2023.

Senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the ODI setup, having retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup triumph and from Tests earlier this year. The duo’s inclusion adds experience to a transitional squad, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad also earning spots after impressive Test showings. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains absent from the white-ball frame.

Ravindra Jadeja makes a much-awaited return to ODI colours alongside wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, bolstering the middle order and spin department. Regular vice-captain Shreyas Iyer continues his recovery from a lacerated spleen suffered in Australia, opening the door for Rahul’s leadership elevation. Youngsters Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana retain their places as India balances youth with proven performers.

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The series begins on November 30, followed by matches on December 3 and 6, marking India’s first bilateral ODI assignment since the 2023 World Cup final. With Rahul donning the captain’s armband and Rohit-Kohli back in limited-overs action, the tour carries extra significance as the team builds toward the 2027 World Cup cycle under a new leadership dynamic.

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

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