India’s star wicketkeeper-batter steps up to lead in Shubman Gill’s absence; Proteas bring back key veterans for crucial white-ball challenge
In a significant squad announcement made on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named KL Rahul as captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, marking India’s final 50-over assignment of the calendar year. The leadership change comes after regular captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the series with a neck injury sustained during the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
🚨 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
India’s Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The 15-member Indian squad features senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who will play as specialist batsmen, with Rishabh Pant named as vice-captain. The complete India squad is: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Dhruv Jurel.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been named in the squad to replace Gill and is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma in what will likely be his ODI debut. Rishabh Pant returns to ODI cricket after last featuring in the format in August 2024, adding depth to India’s batting arsenal.
Key Squad Changes and Notable Inclusions
Several significant changes mark this squad selection. Talisman pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested following his busy international schedule, having featured in home Tests, the Asia Cup, and the recent Australia tour. Mohammed Siraj has also been rested, with the pace attack led by Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.
Ravindra Jadeja makes his comeback to the ODI setup after being rested for the Australia series, with Axar Patel left out, possibly due to workload management. The spin department will be managed by Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored 210 runs including a century and fifty against South Africa A, has been recalled to the squad. Tilak Varma returns to the ODI setup after nearly two years, having recently captained India A, and will compete with Pant for a middle-order spot.
Rahul’s Leadership Credentials
KL Rahul previously served as India’s ODI captain and boasts a solid track record, winning eight of the 12 matches he has led. His last captaincy stint was also against South Africa during India’s all-format tour in 2023, where he led the team to a 2-1 victory in the ODI series.
South Africa’s Squad: Veterans Return
South Africa announced their ODI squad on Friday, with experienced captain Temba Bavuma, who is currently leading the Proteas in the Test series, taking charge in the 50-over format. The South African ODI squad comprises: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, and Prenelan Subrayen.
Rubin Hermann, who debuted against Pakistan earlier this month, retains his place in Bavuma’s squad. Notably, Kagiso Rabada misses out on the white-ball leg due to a rib bone stress injury sustained during the Test series.
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who recently came out of ODI retirement, has been named in the squad after topping the charts with 232 runs against Pakistan. Marco Jansen returns to the ODI setup, while veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj also makes his comeback to the white-ball squad.
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Series Schedule and Context
The three-match series will be played across three venues: November 30 at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, December 3 at Raipur, and December 6 at Visakhapatnam. All matches are scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST.
South African head coach Shukri Conrad emphasized the series’ importance, stating that the matches will give them a clear picture of where they are as a group as they shape the squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
For India, this series represents an opportunity to test new combinations and provide experience to emerging players while maintaining the winning momentum. The absence of key pace bowlers like Bumrah and Siraj will test India’s bench strength, while the return of Jadeja and Pant adds proven quality to the lineup.
As both teams prepare for this crucial white-ball contest, cricket fans can expect an enthralling series between two competitive sides looking to build toward their respective World Cup aspirations.
