Team India captain Shubman Gill, who has been ruled out of the upcoming second Test against South Africa, is doubtful for the three-match ODI series against the same opponent.
According to the latest reports, Gill’s availability for the ODIs is uncertain, and India has to take a big decision on the captaincy.
India is currently trailing 0-1 in the Test series against the Proteas. The Men in Blue need to win the next Test to avoid another series defeat.
If India lose again, it will be their second Test series whitewash in a year under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching. This match will be held on 22 November in Guwahati.
India captain Shubman Gill ruled out of ODI series against South Africa
Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata. He is expected to miss the second Test and may also not be available for the ODI series. The management is considering giving him rest as a precautionary measure, as he has been playing cricket continuously.
Shreyas Iyer, who was made Gill’s deputy for the ODIs, is recovering from an injury suffered in the Sydney ODI. As a temporary change in captaincy, KL Rahul or Akshar Patel may be asked to lead the team.
According to PTI, Gill may need at least ten more days of rehabilitation. The right-handed batsman may return to full fitness for the T20 stage.
Notably, the ODI matches are less important for the team, with the main preparation focused on the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Selectors are expected to consider Ruturaj Gaikwad as Shubman Gill’s replacement
If Shubman Gill is ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa, the selectors are expected to consider Ruturaj Gaikwad as his immediate replacement. The right-hander is in the mix and fits naturally into the role.
However, despite Gaikwad being a contender, Yashasvi Jaiswal may still be preferred. The left-handed batsman has played only one ODI, but his consistency and stroke-making give him a strong case to make.
Tilak Verma can come into the team if Shreyas Iyer is unavailable. The young batsman has already shown his usefulness in the middle order, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide the Men in Blue to victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
Shubman Gill was injured early in the innings in the Kolkata Test and was forced to retire.
Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt early in his innings, keeping him out of the field for the rest of the match. After being taken to the hospital that evening, he was discharged the next day. Notably, he traveled to Guwahati with the squad.
The captain was seen arriving in Guwahati on November 19, but he is unlikely to play the match. Sai Sudarshan can replace him in the batting order, while Rishabh Pant is ready to lead the team in this match.
After the second Test, India will turn their attention to the three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. The series will begin in Ranchi on November 30, followed by games in Raipur and Visakhapatnam on December 3 and December 6 respectively.
Also read: Guwahati pitch details leaked after India’s poor performance at Eden Gardens vs South Africa
