India will be without captain Shubman Gill for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, as the opener continues to recover from a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Gill faced only three deliveries in the first innings before walking off and did not bat in India’s chase. He also missed the second Test and has now been ruled out of the ODIs.
Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is unavailable as well. Iyer picked up a serious injury during the third ODI against Australia and is expected to remain out of action until IPL 2026, leaving India without its appointed ODI leadership group.
With both Gill and Iyer sidelined, the selectors now need a stand-in captain. The Ajit Agarkar-led panel is unlikely to return to Rohit Sharma in a temporary role and is instead set to appoint KL Rahul as the captain for the series. Rahul, a former all-format vice-captain, has led India in every format and remains a key part of the ODI setup. He is also the first-choice wicketkeeper ahead of Rishabh Pant, who is expected to return to ODIs after missing the Champions Trophy, where Rahul played every match.
India may also name a new vice-captain for this series, with Rahul having previously secured 8 wins in 12 ODIs as captain.
India vs South Africa ODI Series Schedule
1st ODI: November 30 – Ranchi
2nd ODI: December 3 – Raipur
3rd ODI: December 6 – Visakhapatnam
The series will also mark the international return of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
