The India national cricket team is currently facing a leadership dilemma just ahead of a crucial white-ball series against South Africa. Indian captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa due to a neck injury and is certain to play in the second Test as well.
It is being said that Shubman Gill will not go with the team to Guwahati for the second and final Test against South Africa starting from November 22. Even young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been recalled to replace Gill amid concerns over Gill’s fitness.
Shubman Gill likely to be ruled out of second Test against South Africa
Although the second Test in Guwahati is yet to begin, the focus has already turned to the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa and the squad will be announced soon. The first ODI match is to be held on 30 November in Ranchi.
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The remaining two matches will be played in Raipur on 3 December and Visakhapatnam on 6 December respectively.
After the ODI series, India and South Africa will also play a five-match T20 series which will be played from December 9 to December 19 in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. However, India’s captaincy plans for the ODI series remain uncertain.
KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant to lead India against South Africa in ODI
Captain Shubman Gill is likely to miss the ODI series, while designated vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has also been ruled out due to injury. This makes KL Rahul and Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant the top contenders to lead the team in the absence of regular leaders.
According to a Times of India report, KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant is set to lead the Men in Blue in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. However, Rahul is more likely to get respect due to his experience and seniority in the team.
The selectors are expected to take a decision soon, with Shubman Gill possibly being rested to focus on the T20I series and avoid fatigue as the Punjab player has been playing cricket consistently across all formats.
Key all-rounders Hardik Pandya, who missed the Australia tour due to injury recovery, and Ravindra Jadeja are also set to return in the ODI series.
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IND vs SA ODI important for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Well, the upcoming ODI series against South Africa is very important for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He proved his skills and form during the Australia tour, but now he will have to continue his good performance.
A strong performance against South Africa and in the subsequent matches will be crucial if they want to stay in the race for the ICC World Cup 2027.
Notably, Shubman Gill had to leave the field after facing just three balls in the first innings in the first Test, which the hosts lost by 30 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. While playing the sweep shot, he felt pain in his neck and could not play further.
The BCCI confirmed that Gill has neck strain and will miss the remainder of the first Test. After this he was taken to the hospital, where doctors monitored him closely.