KL Rahul likely to lead India as Gill suffers neck-injury:Set to return as ODI captain after two years in South Africa series – Report

India are likely to see a change in leadership for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi. KL Rahul is expected to return as India’s ODI captain after a two-year gap, as regular skipper Shubman Gill is set to miss the series due to a neck injury. According to PTI, Gill’s injury is more serious than first believed, forcing selectors to look at alternative options. The injury has disrupted India’s preparations, especially with the team aiming to build strong combinations ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy. With vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also sidelined due to a rib injury, the selectors want stability and experience in leadership. Rahul last led India in December 2023 in South Africa. With uncertainty surrounding Gill’s recovery timeline, he now emerges as the most natural and reliable choice to take charge in ODIs. Rahul led India in 12 ODI matches, records 66% win as captain According to ANI, India batter KL Rahul is likely to return as Team India’s ODI captain after two years in the South Africa series, as Shubman Gill struggles with a neck injury.. He has led the Indian side in 12 ODI matches, in which he has won 8 out of those 12 games. Rahul records a 66% win for the ‘Men in Blue’. Although Rishabh Pant, currently leading India in the Guwahati Test, was also considered, his lack of recent one-day cricket weakened his case. Pant has played only one ODI in the past year while recovering from his major accident. Earlier, Pant led India in 5 T20I matches, out of which he could only win 2 matches with a 40% win. Shubman Gill’s injury more serious than expected – Medical update Gill sustained a whiplash injury while batting during the first Test in Kolkata. He was ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati and is now undergoing MRI scans and specialist treatment in Mumbai. BCCI sources revealed that the injury is not just a simple neck spasm, and could involve muscular or nerve-related complications. Doctors have administered injections to reduce pain, but he is expected to require rest and rehabilitation for several weeks. A BCCI official told PTI, “All tests are being done to confirm whether it is muscular or nerve-related. He will need rest before rehab, and there is every chance he may also miss the T20I series.” Gill has also met spinal expert Dr. Abhay Nene, with updates shared with chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Bumrah to be rested, Pandya unavailable – India’s likely squad composition India’s opening pair for the upcoming ODI series is expected to feature Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Abhishek Sharma available as a backup option. In the fast-bowling department, the team may rely on Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, while Akash Deep could join as a reserve pacer. Jasprit Bumrah is set to be rested following the back-to-back Test series. The spin unit is likely to include Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy, with Kuldeep Yadav possibly unavailable due to personal reasons. All-rounder Hardik Pandya remains out as he continues his rehabilitation program ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.