Not Rohit Sharma! India captain for South Africa ODIs finalized after Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer get ruled out

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif stated that the selectors will not turn back to Rohit Sharma for captaincy if Shubman Gill misses the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. Kaif said that wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is the most suitable option, adding that he has previous captaincy experience with India.

Gill picked up a neck injury during the first innings of the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He was later taken to Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital for scans and treatment before being discharged. Gill is expected to miss the second Test, and he could be unavailable for the ODI series as well.

They Will Not Go Back to Rohit Sharma - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif said that KL Rahul is the most likely choice to lead India in the ODI series if Shubman Gill is ruled out. He stated that the team will not back Rohit Sharma for the role.

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Kaif also pointed out that vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is injured and uncertain for the South Africa ODIs, leaving Rahul as the most experienced and practical option to take charge.

"They will not go back to Rohit Sharma. That is done. He will deny it himself. I feel KL Rahul is an option. He has captained before and has experience as well. I feel he will lead the side in the ODI series," he said on his YouTube channel.

This Indian Team Likes All-Rounders and Batting Depth a Lot - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif said that Sai Sudharsan should come back into the XI if Shubman Gill is unable to play the second Test. Kaif stated that India needed a proper top-order batter rather than makeshift options. He added that on challenging turning surfaces, specialist batters are better equipped to survive.

"There were many left-handers together down the order which is also why Sundar was sent up. To break that, he went up. This Indian team likes all-rounders and batting depth a lot. Even left-handers are favored a lot in this team," Kaif stated.

"But I feel specialist batters should play on these tracks and they have a better chance to do well as they have an understanding. I feel there will be a turning track itself in Guwahati as well because the pitch would have been prepared already. But play on such pitches where our batters can score. We have bowlers who can pick wickets in all conditions," he added.

Second Test to Take Place in Guwahati from Saturday

Sai Sudharsan last played for India in the Test series against the West Indies. He scored a total of 126 runs in the Delhi match while batting at No. 3. However, the left-handed batter was left out for the opening Test against South Africa, where Washington Sundar was promoted to the No. 3 slot.

The second Test is set to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting on Saturday, November 22. Rishabh Pant will lead the team if Shubman Gill is ruled out of the match.

After the Test series, India will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series, starting on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi. The teams will play the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. The series will conclude with the final match in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, December 6.

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