Star player to get captaincy as Shubman Gill doubtful for South Africa ODIs

India’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, is anticipated to miss the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, starting next week as the red-ball leader was ruled out due to a serious neck injury than initially thought as the reports claimed. Gill picked up the injury during the opening Test against the Proteas at the Eden Gardens and missed the second Guwahati game.

Gill’s recover timeline has extended which has prompted the selectors to consider a stop-gap captain and adjust the squad before Ranchi. India's vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is also sidelined with a rib cage injury sustained during the previous 50-over series against Australia down under. In this scenario, KL Rahul is poised to return to the leadership role after a two-year gap.

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“All tests are being conducted to determine whether it’s a muscular strain or a nerve-related issue.” The source of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as quoted by the Times of India (TOI) has revealed. The officials have also indicated that Gill’s issue could involve muscular or nerve complications, rather than a simple neck spasm.

KL Rahul expected to lead India in ODI series vs South Africa

Gill consulted the spinal specialist Dr Abhay Nene, with the findings being set to the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. With his fitness being uncertain, the management won’t take any risk for the ODIs while Gill remains doubtful even for the T20I series, starting on December 09.

Rishabh Pant, who has been leading the Blue Brigade in the second Guwahati Test, was considered for the role. However, his lack of ODI experience recently having been out of the side in the last few series and tournaments have weakened his case. KL Rahul’s situation is more practical in these consideration.

Rahul is India’s first-choice ODI wicket-keeper and a former captain and now emerges as the most practical replacement. Due to Iyer’s injury, Rahul’s position will be more natural to lead the Indian side in the Rainbow Nation. Post the ODI series, India’s next 50-over clash will be against New Zealand at home.