Gautam Gambhir creates major insecurity for Rohit Sharma, South Africa ODIs unconfirmed

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has earned his place in India’s ODI setup after a 16-month gap following his impressive performances in the recent South Africa A series. Gaikwad has been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Temba Bavuma’s South Africa.

The right-handed batter last played an ODI in December 2023, where he scored four runs off two balls against South Africa in Gqeberha. He was the leading run-getter in the recent three-match One-Day series against South Africa A at home. He scored 210 runs in three innings, including 117 in the opening match.

Rohit Sharma to Bat With New Partner as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad in Contention

The selectors decided to bring Ruturaj Gaikwad back into the ODI setup for the home series against South Africa. Shubman Gill, who was supposed to lead the ODI side, was ruled out after failing to recover from a neck issue sustained during the Test series.

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With both Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been appointed as the skipper for the three-match series. The opening ODI will take place in Ranchi on November 30.

Rohit Sharma will have a new partner. Despite Ruturaj’s return to the squad, Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open with Rohit. Jaiswal, who has only one ODI appearance so far, is reportedly ahead in the pecking order after being part of the squad in Australia.

Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, and Dhruv Jurel in Contention for No. 4 Slot

With Virat Kohli returning to his usual No. 3 role, India still have a vacancy at No. 4 due to Shreyas Iyer’s absence. Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma, and Dhruv Jurel are all in contention for that position, and the team may lean toward a left-hander.

KL Rahul is expected to bat at No. 5, especially with Axar Patel missing from the squad. Rahul is also likely to take up wicketkeeping duties unless Pant is included in the XI.

India may include Nitish Kumar Reddy, particularly with Hardik Pandya unavailable. The team management might back all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the playing XI, with Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner.

In the pace department, Arshdeep Singh is set to lead the bowling unit. Harshit Rana appears to be the front-runner to share the new ball ahead of Prasidh Krishna after strong recent performances, including a four-wicket haul in Sydney and impressive outings for India A.

Rohit Sharma Last Featured for India in the ODI Series vs Australia Last Month

Rohit Sharma last featured for India during the three-match ODI series in Australia last month, which was also his return to international cricket after a 220-day break. Although India lost the series 1-2, Sharma made a strong impression with the bat.

The right-handed batter smashed a superb century in the third ODI, guiding India to a nine-wicket win with an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls. Rohit Sharma scored 202 runs in three innings and was named Player of the Series for his efforts.

Sharma is one of India’s most successful leaders in white-ball cricket. Under his captaincy, India lifted the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy. Notably, Rohit Sharma led the team to the 2023 World Cup final, where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia.

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