KL Rahul to Lead India in ODI Series Against South Africa; Rohit and Kohli Return to Squad

India have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, with wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul appointed captain and Rishabh Pant named as his deputy. The series, beginning November 30 in Ranchi, will see several key players return, while a few fresh faces have been given opportunities in the pace department.

Shubman Gill, who has been a regular feature at the top of the order, has been ruled out due to injury. In his absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, marking a blend of youthful aggression and seasoned experience. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been recalled as a backup opener.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the ODI setup after being rested in the previous series, strengthening India’s batting core. The middle order features promising left-hander Tilak Varma and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who continues his comeback to international cricket after a long injury layoff.

In the all-round department, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar have been named as the two spin options capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Kuldeep Yadav, India’s premier wrist-spinner, adds variety to the bowling attack with his left-arm chinaman deliveries.

With frontline pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj rested, the pace unit has a fresh look. Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy will share the fast-bowling responsibilities, offering Rahul multiple options in varying conditions. The selection of Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy reflects India’s continued focus on grooming young pace talent for the future.

The team’s composition suggests a balance between experience and experimentation, providing opportunities for emerging players while maintaining the core of seasoned campaigners.

The three-match ODI series will be played across Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. The opening match takes place on Sunday, November 30, followed by the second ODI on Wednesday, December 3, and the final game on Saturday, December 6.

With the series forming part of India’s build-up toward the 2026 Champions Trophy, it presents a valuable opportunity for Rahul’s side to fine-tune combinations and assess the bench strength. Fans will be eager to see how the new-look bowling attack performs against a strong South African batting lineup in home conditions.