India is gearing up for a crucial three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi, with significant changes expected in the playing XI due to injuries sidelining regular captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer. Former player and ex-BCCI selector Saba Karim shared his insights on the team composition, suggesting that there might be no place for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the squad this time around.

Karim explained that with Gill and Iyer ruled out, the team is likely to lean on KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batter, especially since Tilak Varma seems poised to fill the void left by Iyer in the batting order. The former selector noted the strategic balance needed between batting strength and bowling options, pointing out that including Pant could limit the number of specialist bowlers the side fields. “If Pant plays, India may have to use part-time bowlers like Tilak Varma or Yashasvi Jaiswal to cover overs, which isn’t an ideal scenario,” Karim remarked.

Highlighting Varma’s potential, Karim insisted that the young player offers a fresh, solid option at number four, complementing the top order of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli. He emphasized that this series is a valuable opportunity for Varma to prove his mettle in one-day international cricket. The decision to prioritize Varma and Rahul for the wicketkeeping role appears to stem from a desire to strengthen both batting and bowling dynamics.

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With the second ODI scheduled for December 3 in Raipur and the final match on December 6 in Visakhapatnam, all eyes will be on India’s lineup changes and performance as they face South Africa without some of their key players. The evolving squad raises intriguing questions about team strategy and player roles going forward.

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