The Indian selection committee, led by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, is set to meet on November 23 to pick the white-ball squads for the upcoming South Africa series.
One of the big areas of concern on the agenda will be picking a new captain, who would play a stand-in role for the three-match series after captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer are both ruled out of the series, just a single series after assuming the responsibilities.
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After sustaining a spleen laceration in the Sydney ODI, Iyer is yet to complete his recovery. On the other hand, Gill is also most likely out of the series due to the injury he sustained during India's first Test against South Africa.
Who will captain India in ODI series vs South Africa?
As things stand, despite there being murmurs on social media that Rohit Sharma could return as the captain for this series, it is highly unlikely that the selectors will go down that route and ask Rohit to lead the side.
According to multiple reports, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are currently in contention for the temporary role after the latter became India's 38th Test captain in the ongoing Guwahati Test.
Pant hasn't been part of India's ODI setup of late and last played an ODI for India in August 2024, the selectors could ask Rahul to lead the team against the Proteas. Rahul played crucial roles in the World Cup 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
MORE: South Africa squad for ODI and T20I series in India announced
Rahul has previously led India in 12 ODIs, winning eight. Pant, on the other hand, is yet to lead India in ODIs, but has a record of two wins and two losses in five T20Is and has also captained Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants in white-ball cricket.
India vs South Africa ODI schedule
| Match | Venue | Date | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Ranchi | November 30 | 1:30 pm |
| 2nd ODI | Raipur | December 3 | 1:30 pm |
| 3rd ODI | Vishakhapatanam | December 6 | 1:30 pm |
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