Not Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul! This Indian player to captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma next

Team India captain Shubman Gill, who has been ruled out of the upcoming second Test match against South Africa, is a doubt for the three-match ODI series against the same opponent.

According to the latest reports, Gill's availability for the ODIs is uncertain, and India has a big call to make on captaincy.

India is currently trailing 0-1 in the Test series against the Proteas. The Men in Blue must win the next Test to avoid another series defeat.

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If India loses again, it would be their second Test series whitewash in one year under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching. The match will take place in Guwahati on November 22.

India Skipper Shubman Gill Ruled Out of ODI Series Against South Africa

Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata. He is expected to miss the second Test and could be unavailable for the ODI series as well. The management is considering resting him as a precaution, as he has been playing non-stop cricket.

Shreyas Iyer, who was named Gill’s deputy for ODIs, is recovering from the injury he sustained in the Sydney ODI. KL Rahul or Axar Patel may be asked to lead the side as a temporary shift in captaincy.

According to PTI, Gill may require at least ten more days of rehabilitation. The right-handed batter can return with full fitness for the T20 leg.

Notably, the ODI matches are less important to the team, with the main preparation focused on the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.

Selectors Expected To Consider Ruturaj Gaikwad as Shubman Gill’s Replacement

If Shubman Gill is ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa, the selectors are expected to consider Ruturaj Gaikwad as his immediate replacement. The right-hander has been in the mix and fits the role naturally.

However, even with Gaikwad in contention, Yashasvi Jaiswal may still be preferred. The left-hander has played only one ODI, but his consistency and stroke-making give him a strong case.

Tilak Varma could come into the squad if Shreyas Iyer remains unavailable. The young batter has already shown his value in the middle order, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide the Men in Blue to victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.

Shubman Gill Forced To Retire Hurt Early In His Innings In Kolkata Test

Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt early in his innings, which kept him off the field for the rest of the match. After being taken to the hospital that evening, he was discharged the next day. Notably, he traveled with the squad to Guwahati.

The skipper was seen arriving in Guwahati on November 19, but he is unlikely to play the match. Sai Sudharsan might replace him in the batting order, while Rishabh Pant is set to lead the side in the must-win clash.

Following the second Test, India will shift their focus to the three-match ODI series at home against South Africa. The series will begin on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by games in Raipur and Visakhapatnam on December 3 and December 6, respectively.

Also read: Guwahati pitch details leaked after India’s disastrous show at Eden Gardens vs South Africa