KL Rahul is expected to make a comeback as India’s ODI captain for the three-match series against South Africa, as opener Shubman Gill is unlikely to recover in time from a neck injury that has turned out to be more complicated than first assessed, according to a PTI report.
Sources within the BCCI revealed that Gill’s recovery is progressing slower than hoped, forcing the selection committee to consider an interim captain for the ODI series beginning November 30 in Ranchi. With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also sidelined due to a rib injury suffered during the Australia tour, Rahul has emerged as the top choice to lead the side.
Rahul last captained India in December 2023—also in South Africa—and has since been a key figure in India’s ODI setup as the primary wicketkeeper-batter.
Gill’s Neck Injury More Serious Than Expected
Gill sustained a whiplash-type injury while batting during the first Test in Kolkata. He was subsequently ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati and is currently undergoing a detailed evaluation in Mumbai, including MRI scans and specialist reviews.
Officials confirmed that the problem goes beyond a routine neck spasm and could involve a muscular or nerve-related issue.
A BCCI official told PTI:
“Multiple tests are underway to determine whether the injury is muscular or nerve-related. He has been given an injection for symptom relief, but he will need complete rest before starting rehabilitation. At this stage, he might even miss the T20I series.”
Gill also met renowned spinal expert Dr. Abhay Nene, and the medical findings have been shared with chief selector Ajit Agarkar. With his recovery timeline unclear, the selectors are unwilling to risk him for the ODIs, and his participation in the T20I series beginning December 9 also appears doubtful.
Rahul Emerges as the Preferred Captaincy Choice
While Rishabh Pant—currently leading India in the Guwahati Test—was among the names considered, his minimal ODI game time in the past year due to long-term recovery has reduced his chances of taking up the role.
Rahul, being India’s first-choice ODI wicketkeeper and a former ODI captain, remains the strongest candidate. His experience and availability make him the most stable option, especially with Iyer still recovering and at least two months away from a return after a spleen injury.
Likely Structure of India’s ODI Squad
India are expected to open with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Abhishek Sharma likely to be the backup opener.
The pace department is set to feature Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, with Akash Deep as a potential addition. Jasprit Bumrah will be rested following heavy workloads in consecutive Test series.
Hardik Pandya continues to remain unavailable for ODIs as he focuses on rehabilitation in preparation for the 2025 T20 World Cup.
In the spin department, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to shoulder responsibility, while Kuldeep Yadav is likely to opt out due to personal reasons.