KL Rahul to lead India in SA ODIs: Full squad
What's the story
In a major development, KL Rahul has been named India's stand-in captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30. The decision comes after Shubman Gill, the regular skipper, and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer were ruled out due to injuries. Gill is currently in Mumbai for an assessment of his neck injury, while Iyer is unavailable for selection due to injury.
Twitter Post
Have a look at the squad
🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia's squad for @IDFCFIRSTBank ODI series against South Africa announced.
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 23, 2025
More details ▶️https://t.co/0ETGclxAdL#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/3cXnesNiQ5
Gill
Why Gill, Iyer will miss the ODI series
Gill's neck injury, which he sustained in the first Test against SA, was initially thought to be minor. However, it has turned out to be more complicated than expected. He missed the second Test match in Guwahati and is now undergoing scans and consultations in Mumbai. The BCCI officials had hinted that the issue could be muscular or nerve-related rather than just a neck spasm. Meanwhile, Iyer is out with a spleen laceration he suffered during the Australia tour.
Captaincy
Rahul returns to lead India
Rahul's return marks his first stint as captain in over two years. He last led India during their tour of South Africa in December 2023. Rahul, who was once the vice-captain of the Indian team across formats, has led the Men in Blue in 12 ODIs. This has resulted in eight wins and four defeats. The keeper-batter has also captained the team in T20Is and Test matches.
Information
Rahul over Rishabh Pant
Despite Rishabh Pant's name being considered for the role, his lack of recent ODI cricket experience (played just one 50-over match in a year) weakened his case. This left Rahul as the most feasible option to lead the side.
Takeaways
Other takeaways from the squad
After shining in the Sydney ODI against Australia, veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to bolster the Indian side. The two greats are now active in only ODI cricket. Meanwhile, all-rounder Axar Patel and pacer Mohammed Siraj have been left out of the squad. Besides, the likes of Tilak Varma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been included. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, leaving Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana as the frontline seamers.
Information
India, SA to clash in three ODIs
India and South Africa are currently engaged in the 2nd and final Test in Guwahati, with the Proteas leading 1-0. The two teams will clash in the 1st ODI on November 30 in Ranchi. The next two games will be held in Raipur (December 3) and Vizag (December 6).