KL Rahul is expected to return as India’s ODI captain for the three-match series against South Africa, as Shubman Gill is expected to miss out due to a neck injury that turned out to be more serious than first thought, according to a PTI report.
Gill’s recovery will take longer than they had hoped, forcing selectors to look for a temporary captain and make changes to the squad before the series begins on November 30 in Ranchi, BCCI sources told the news agency.
With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also unavailable because of a rib cage injury he picked up in Australia, Rahul is set to lead India in ODIs again after two years. He last captained India during the South Africa tour in December 2023.
Gill’s injury worse than expected
Gill suffered a whiplash injury while batting in the first Test in Kolkata earlier this week. He was ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati and is now in Mumbai undergoing MRI scans and seeing specialists.
BCCI officials say this is not a simple neck spasm and could involve muscle or nerve issues.
“All tests are being done to ascertain whether it is a muscular injury or a nerve-related niggle. As of now, Gill has been given an injection to alleviate symptoms and will need rest before rehab. There is every chance he could also be doubtful for the T20I series,” PTI reported quoting another BCCI source.
Gill has consulted spinal specialist Dr Abhay Nene and the findings have been sent to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. With no clear recovery timeline, Gill will not be risked for the ODIs and even his participation in the T20I series starting December 9 seems unlikely.
KL Rahul becomes top choice as Rishabh Pant misses out
Rishabh Pant, who is captaining India in the Guwahati Test was considered, but his case was weakened because he hasn’t played enough ODI cricket recently, according to the report.
He has played just one ODI in the past year while recovering from his long-term injury.
That makes KL Rahul, India’s first-choice ODI wicketkeeper and a former captain, the strongest candidate to take charge.
With Shreyas Iyer still about two months away from returning after a spleen injury in Australia, selectors prefer stability, making Rahul the safest option.