BCCI Announces White-Ball Squads: KL Rahul Takes Charge, Big Match for Cuttack
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors have officially unveiled the squads for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) and T20 International series against the Proteas. In a significant development, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been handed the captaincy reins for the 50-over format. This decision comes after regular skipper Shubman Gill was sidelined due to a neck injury sustained during the recent Test match in Kolkata.
While Gill recovers, Indian cricket fans will be relieved to see that senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have held their spots in the India ODI squad vs South Africa. Both veterans showcased exceptional form during the Australia series and will continue to anchor the batting lineup. Conversely, the selection committee has decided to manage the workload of premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah, giving him a well-deserved rest for this tour.
Squad Updates and Key Changes
Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain, serving as Rahul's deputy for the series. The squad also sees the inclusion of Ruturaj Gaikwad, adding depth to the batting order. Additionally, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja makes his return to the ODI setup after missing out on the Australia series.
The selectors have opted to rest other key bowlers alongside Bumrah, including Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel, who were part of the recent Test series against the South Africans.
Schedule: Cuttack to Host T20 Opener
For cricket enthusiasts in Odisha, the schedule brings exciting news. Following the ODI series, the T20 action will kick off right here in Odisha. The first T20 International is scheduled to be played in Cuttack on December 9.
ODI Schedule:
1st ODI: Nvember 30 (Ranchi)
2nd ODI: December 3 (Raipur)
3rd ODI: December 6 (Visakhapatnam)
T20 Schedule:
1st T20: December 9 (Cuttack)
2nd T20: December 11 (New Chandigarh)
3rd T20: December 14 (Dharamsala)
4th T20: December 17 (Lucknw)
5th T20: December 19 (Ahmedabad)
Update on Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill's injury has forced him out of the entire white-ball leg of the tour. The 26-year-old suffered the neck issue while batting in the first innings of the Kolkata Test. He was unable to take the field for South Africa's second innings or bat during India's chase. Following a brief hospitalization in Kolkata, the BCCI medical team is currently monitoring his recovery. In his absence, Rishabh Pant is currently leading the side in the ongoing Test series.
Full India ODI Squad:
KL Rahul (C/wk), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel.
