India’s probable squad for the ODI series against South Africa

India’s probable squad for the ODI series against South Africa: Ahead of the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, Indian team chief selector Ajit Agarkar faces a major challenge. Injuries are looming large over the Indian team ahead of the series.

Indian captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury while batting during the recent Kolkata Test against South Africa. He has been hospitalized for observation. Given the severity of the injury and his workload as an all-format player, the team management wants to err on the side of caution and may rest him for the limited-overs series.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is showing significant signs of being ruled out of the series altogether. This is because he is still recovering from an abdominal injury sustained during the previous ODI series against Australia in late October. The absence of both players has left both the opening and crucial middle-order positions vacant.

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Focus on Replacement and Leadership

The selectors are expected to turn to young talent Tilak Varma to fill the number four spot vacated by Iyer. The left-handed batsman has already proven his ability in the middle order. In particular, Tilak played a match-winning unbeaten 69 for India in the T20 Asia Cup final. If Tilak is given this opportunity, he will have a crucial opportunity to establish himself.

For the opening slot, Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to be included in the squad in place of Gill. However, the team management may prefer to include another left-handed batsman, Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the playing XI alongside Rohit Sharma. Jaiswal’s consistent form and maturity could be leveraged as a long-term replacement for Rohit Sharma, given this opportunity. If Gill is rested, KL Rahul is expected to take over as the leader for the ODI series.

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