The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will need to make sweeping changes to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming 3-match series against South Africa. The white-ball challenge will commence on November 30, and at the moment, there’s significant doubt about India’s ODI captain and vice-captain, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, being available for the series.
Shubman Gill & Shreyas Iyer out of IND vs SA ODIs?
Gill sustained a neck injury on November 15. He’s travelled with the team to Guwahati for the second South Africa Test; it’s uncertain whether he’ll play. Irrespective of whether Gill plays or not, the BCCI might suggest he take some time off anyway. The 26-year-old has been playing continuous cricket since March and needs a little time off.
Much like Gill, Shreyas sustained an injury on the field. On October 25, the batter got a laceration to his spleen and was even admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for several days. He’s recovering at the moment, and reports indicate that BCCI won’t risk his fitness and will advise him to rest.
Who’ll replace Gill & Shreyas?
Assuming they’ll miss the India vs South Africa ODI series, Tilak Verma will likely replace Shreyas. The southpaw has been leading India A and has already played four 50-over matches for India. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been the backup opener for a while now, and if Gill doesn’t play, he’ll open with Rohit Sharma.
Jurel dropped, Pant in
Dhruv Jurel was on the plane to Australia but didn’t play even one ODI. But one can assume that Jurel was picked as the backup opener to KL Rahul due to Rishabh Pant being out with an injury. However, the southpaw from Delhi has gained full fitness. It’s expected that he’ll replace Jurel and might just bat at number four.
Who’ll be India’s captain & deputy?
Rahul is expected to be named India’s interim ODI captain in Gill’s absence. Rohit and Virat Kohli are leaders in the team, but won’t be named the skipper. After them, Rahul is the most senior batter. Hardik Pandya missed the Australia tour, and due to his injury-prone nature, he won’t be named captain. As for the deputy, Axar Patel could be next in line after Rahul. Earlier in the year, he was named vice-captain in T20Is to Suryakumar Yadav, and the same can happen here.
Spinner for pacer, no Jadeja?
Since the series will be played in India, another spinner might be needed. Varun Chakaravarthy, who was India’s best bowler in the Champions Trophy, could be called back, and Prasidh Krishna might be dropped. He was picked for Australian conditions, and at home, he may not be needed. Playing both Axar and Ravindra Jadeja doesn’t make sense. They have the same skillset, but Axar has emerged as a better batter than him, and that’s why the veteran all-rounder will continue to miss out.
Probable India squad for South Africa ODIs
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (c & wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj
Exclusions from Australia ODIs: Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel
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