The BCCI has revealed India’s official ODI squad for the South Africa Tour 2025, and the announcement comes with major injury updates and a big captaincy decision. With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer ruled out due to injuries, KL Rahul has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for this series. The squad features a strong mix of senior legends and rising young talents, setting the stage for an exciting contest in South African conditions.
Here’s the confirmed Team India ODI squad:
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (Captain & WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel
Why KL Rahul Has Been Named Captain for the ODI Series
KL Rahul stepping in as India’s captain is not a surprise, it’s a necessity shaped by injuries and availability. With Shubman Gill ruled out and other senior leaders opting out of captaincy duties for this series, Rahul became the most reliable and experienced option.
Reasons behind Rahul’s appointment:
Proven leadership in all three formats for India
Strong tactical awareness, especially in overseas conditions
Fitness and consistency, making him a stable presence
Ability to contribute as batter, captain, and occasional wicketkeeper
With India entering a challenging South African tour with a young squad, Rahul’s calm leadership will be crucial.
Why Shubman Gill Is Not Part of the Squad
Shubman Gill, one of India’s most important ODI batters, has been ruled out due to a neck injury he picked up during the first Test against South Africa.
Injury details:
Suffered a neck spasm while playing a slog sweep
Reported dizziness and discomfort
Taken to the hospital for medical supervision
Declared unfit for the ODI series by the BCCI medical team
This is a significant setback, as Gill has been central to India’s ODI plans. His absence opens up opportunities for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad to step up in the top order.
Why Shreyas Iyer Misses the ODI Series
Shreyas Iyer also misses the South Africa ODIs due to a serious spleen injury. He suffered a blunt abdominal blow during the Australia series, which led to a lacerated spleen and internal bleeding.
Medical updates include:
Immediate hospitalisation
Close monitoring due to internal injury
Ongoing recovery period advised
Ruled out of the entire tour for safety reasons
His absence will be felt in India’s middle order, but it also gives players like Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel a chance to showcase their potential.
Squad Breakdown: Experience Meets Young Firepower
Despite the injuries, India’s ODI squad looks well-balanced and capable of competing hard in South African conditions.
Top Order
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli bring unmatched experience
Jaiswal adds aggression
Gaikwad offers stability and versatility
Middle Order
KL Rahul anchors the innings
Tilak Varma offers left-handed flexibility
Pant and Jurel boost finishing ability
All-Rounders
Ravindra Jadeja remains India’s most complete all-rounder
Washington Sundar adds variety with off-spin
Nitish Kumar Reddy is the exciting new seam-bowling all-rounder
Bowling Attack
Kuldeep Yadav leads the spin department
Arshdeep Singh brings swing
Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana deliver pace and bounce
Strong mix of left-arm pace, hit-the-deck fast bowlers, and spin options
This balanced composition is ideal for the fast, bouncy tracks in South Africa.
India Faces a Challenging Yet Promising Tour
While losing Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer is far from ideal, India has still assembled a competitive ODI squad. The tour will test India’s depth, adaptability, and new combinations but it also opens doors for fresh faces to make a mark.
With KL Rahul at the helm, senior players returning, and young talents eager to prove themselves, the ODI series promises intensity, competition, and plenty of learning opportunities ahead of future ICC tournaments.
