Newly-appointed Test vice-captain KL Rahul is likely to lead India in the upcoming 3-match ODI series in South Africa if Rohit Sharma fails to recover from the hamstring injury he picked up in the lead up to the Test series. Rohit is still at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and he is undergoing rehabilitation.
Notably, Rohit Sharma was appointed as India’s full-time ODI captain earlier this month after Virat Kohli was sacked from the role. The decision was made public when the Test squad was announced but the ODI squad is yet to be finalized. Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the 3-match Test series in South Africa, which commenced on Boxing Day in Centurion.
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As per the reports of Sports Tak, one of their sources in BCCU said, “Rohit Sharma is not fully fit, and it would not be feasible to send him to South Africa with the squad for the ODI series if he does not recover in time. In case of new ODI skipper’s absence, KL Rahul will be given the charge of captaincy.”
Notably, Virat Kohli rubbished rumors and confirmed that he will e taking part in the 3-match ODI series. Kohli is currently leading the Test side in the 3-match series. Meanwhile, senior opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was not part of the T20 World Cup squad, is likely to witness a comeback in the Indian squad. Young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had an outstanding outing in the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, is also set to make the squad along with all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer.
Describing the same, the source said, “Selectors are likely to be meeting on January 30 or 31. It is also expected that Ashwin, Dhawan, Ruturaj, and Iyer will be joining the team. No decision has been taken on Shahrukh Khan but the discussions have taken place.”
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Shahrukh, who shone for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, had a dream run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali as he hit a winning six in the final against Karnataka. He was also instrumental in helping Tamil Nadu reach the Vijay Hazare Trophy final earlier this month.
India tour of South Africa, ODI Series Schedule
- 1st ODI at Boland Park, Paarl – January 19
- 2nd ODI at Boland Park, Paarl – January 21
- 3rd ODI at Newlands, Cape Town – January 23
