Highlights:
With the ongoing Test series nearing its end, India is preparing for a busy white-ball schedule against South Africa, beginning with a three-match ODI series on November 30, followed by a five-match T20I series starting December 9. The squad announcement is expected soon, but India is already facing significant setbacks due to multiple injuries affecting key players.
India's ODI squad selection has become increasingly complicated as captain Shubman Gill remains doubtful after suffering a neck injury. Recent reports indicate that the injury will not only rule him out of the Guwahati Test but is also expected to keep him out of the ODI series. Gill's absence leaves a leadership void, especially with the vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also unavailable.
Adding to India's concerns, all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains on the sidelines following his injury in the 2025 Asia Cup final. While he has captained India in ODIs in the past, his comeback is likely during the T20I series rather than the ODIs.
In another expected absence, Jasprit Bumrah may also miss the ODI leg as part of workload management, especially with India's focus shifting to the T20 World Cup.
However, the ODI series will welcome two major returns. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to rejoin the squad for the first time since the three-match ODI series in Australia in October. Their return also marks their first home appearance since IPL 2025, making the series highly anticipated among fans and selectors alike.
With Gill, Iyer, Hardik, and Bumrah either ruled out or under uncertainty, selectors face crucial decisions regarding both leadership and team balance. The captaincy, in particular, remains a major talking point, with several senior players unavailable and limited options left for the ODI format.
As India prepares to host South Africa, the upcoming squad announcement is expected to reveal both selection challenges and strategic priorities ahead of a packed cricket calendar.
