Having Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer injured, with India's three-match ODI series against South Africa starting from November 30, the selectors have a difficult choice. Their absence will thus force changes in the squad at an important juncture, since the team is building a stable core ahead of the 2026 Champions Trophy.
ODI captain for India, Shubman Gill picked up a neck injury during the first Test in Kolkata and will thus cast serious doubts over his availability for the remaining Test and the upcoming ODI series. Although the medical team continues to assess the condition of Shubman, as a precautionary measure, the selectors are inclined to give him complete rest to avoid the aggravation of this injury.
If Gill is ruled out, Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the likeliest replacement in the squad. He has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit and has been in India's white-ball set-up for the past two years. However, even if he gets picked, he might not walk straight into the XI.
Why? Because the team management is expected to prefer Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Rohit Sharma. The young left-hander has impressed in limited opportunities and offers a left–right combination at the top something the Indian think tank values highly, especially in overseas conditions.
India's middle-order woes have only worsened with Shreyas Iyer, their designated ODI vice-captain, ruled out of action by a serious abdominal injury picked up during the third ODI against Australia. His absence opens the door for one standout option:
The 22-year-old left-hander is emerging as one of India's brightest young batting talents. Tilak has already played crucial innings in high-pressure games, including a match-winning 69 in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan earlier this year. His versatility across positions 3, 4, and 5 makes him a natural fit to fill the vacancy left by Iyer.
This series can be a defining opportunity for Tilak, who looks to seal a spot in the long-term ODI plans of India.
If Gill is not available, KL Rahul will be the front-runner to captain the side. He has already led India in ODIs, and his experience, composure, and tactical flexibility would come in pretty handy, especially in South African conditions that assist swing and bounce and demand smart and adaptable strategies.
Rahul will double as a wicketkeeper, thereby allowing balance to India and an extra batting option.
The rest of the squad should resemble the one that recently took to the pitch against Australia. Bowlers such as Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav are all expected to retain their spots in the side. Young all-rounders such as Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy may also feature, adding valuable depth with bat and ball.
Dhruv Jurel, who looked promising as a back-up wicketkeeper this year is also expected to stay in the squad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad/Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (captain & wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Disclaimer: This squad projection is based on current form, injury updates, and selection patterns. Final selections may vary depending on fitness assessments, team strategy, and the BCCI selection committee’s decisions.
