India’s Likely ODI Squad vs South Africa: Gill and Iyer Doubtful
The Indian cricket team selectors are expected to announce the squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in the next few days. They have a bit of a problem because the regular captain, Shubman Gill, is currently injured, and it’s unclear if he will be able to play. Gill hurt his neck on the second day of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata and is still doubtful for the second Test in Guwahati starting November 22.
If his injury is serious, the team will likely give him more rest during the ODI series, which starts on November 30. Another big problem for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee would be the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who is India's vice-captain in the format.
Iyer was injured badly during the third India vs Australia ODI in late October this year. He is still recovering and is very likely to miss the South Africa ODIs. To replace Iyer in the team, the selectors may pick Tilak Varma. He has already shown he can handle pressure in the middle order.
India’s ODI Squad Likely to Change Due to Gill and Iyer Injuries
Batting at number 4, he scored an unbeaten 69 for India against Pakistan in the final of this year’s T20 Asia Cup. Tilak Varma has so far played just four ODIs for India, batting at number 3, 4, and 5. As for Shubman Gill, if he isn’t fit for the three-match ODI series against South Africa, the selectors may bring in right-handed batter Ruturaj Gaikwad as his replacement.
Even if Gaikwad is included in the squad, he might not get a chance to play, as the team could prefer left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Playing XI. Jaiswal has caught everyone’s eye with his consistency, calmness under pressure, and impressive range of shots. He has played only one ODI so far because Gill and Rohit Sharma usually open for India in this format.
With Gill likely to miss the games, the selectors now have an opportunity to give Jaiswal a chance and groom him as a backup for the experienced Rohit. If Gill is not there in the South Africa ODIs, KL Rahul could be given the responsibility to lead the Indian side. The rest of the India squad is expected to remain the same as the one that played against Australia.
India's Likely ODI Squad For South Africa Series
Ruturaj Gaikwad/Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.
