The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to announce the squads for India's upcoming white-ball series against South Africa on November 22, 2025, amid heightened anticipation over key player availabilities. The tour, part of India's packed 2025-26 home season, features a three-match ODI series starting November 30 in Ranchi, followed by games in Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6, and a subsequent five-match T20I series from December 9 to 19. This announcement comes as the Indian team transitions from the ongoing Test series against the Proteas, with selectors balancing workload management, injury recoveries, and preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Central to the discussions is the status of opener Shubman Gill, who sustained a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata on November 15, forcing him to retire hurt after facing just three balls. The 26-year-old, recently appointed Test captain, underwent hospital observation and was discharged on November 16, with initial medical updates indicating a positive response to treatment. However, he was ruled out of the second test starting November 22 in Guwahati and is heading to Mumbai for further assessment. As T20I vice-captain, Gill's potential absence could prompt a leadership reshuffle, with speculation mounting on whether he will feature in the white-ball leg or if his recovery timeline extends beyond the series.

Compounding the challenges is the confirmed sidelining of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, the ODI vice-captain, due to a spleen laceration suffered while fielding in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25. The injury, which caused internal bleeding and required a minor procedure, has led to a cautious rehabilitation plan, with Iyer cleared only for basic exercises and advised against high-intensity training for at least another month. Recent evaluations suggest he could miss two to three more months of action, depriving India of a key anchor in the 50-over format and opening opportunities for emerging talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Sai Sudharsan.

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While full squad details remain pending, reports indicate a likely return for Rohit Sharma as ODI captain, potentially alongside Virat Kohli, marking their first white-ball appearances in India since IPL 2025. Suryakumar Yadav is expected to retain T20I leadership, with Hardik Pandya's comeback from an Asia Cup injury still uncertain and Jasprit Bumrah possibly rested from ODIs to manage his workload. South Africa, meanwhile, has already named Temba Bavuma to lead their ODIs and Aiden Markram for T20Is, bolstered by Anrich Nortje's return. This series underscores India's depth-testing phase ahead of a demanding international calendar, blending experience with youth in a bid to maintain supremacy on home soil.

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