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Why BCCI picked KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant as India's captain for SA ODIs? Report reveals

Rajgeeta Yadav

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant [Source: AFP]

On Sunday, the BCCI announced India’s 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Since regular captain Shubman Gill is recovering from a neck injury, KL Rahul has been appointed as captain for the series. 

Gill got injured during the first Test and then missed the second Test in Guwahati; therefore, he was not selected for the ODI squad.

However, Rahul’s appointment surprised many fans because other big names, especially Rishabh Pant, were also seen as strong captaincy contenders. To clarify the situation, a BCCI source has now revealed the reason behind the decision.

Rahul’s captaincy is temporary: BCCI source reveals 

According to the source, Rahul’s captaincy is temporary and should not be linked to long-term plans. 

Meanwhile, Pant wasn’t considered because he has played only one ODI match in the past year. In contrast, Gill is expected to recover before India’s ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026, and therefore he is likely to return as captain.

"Rahul's captaincy is one off and should be seen in isolation. Rishabh (Pant) wasn't considered as he has played only one ODI game in the last one year. The selectors expect that Shubman Gill's neck injury will heal and he will be back against New Zealand (3 ODIs in January 2026)," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. 

In addition, Rahul already has experience as captain. Between 2022 and 2023, he led India in 12 ODIs, where the team won 8 and lost 4. Because of this, the selectors trusted him to take charge in Gill’s absence.

The squad also sees the return of Ravindra Jadeja, who last played an ODI in March during the Champions Trophy final. He has been included because left-arm all-rounder Axar Patel has been rested for the series.

The ODI series against South Africa will begin on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6.