India has announced its squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa. As everyone expected, KL Rahul has been named captain.
The series begins on November 30th. Shubman Gill is out with a nose injury, giving Rahul this opportunity.
Jadeja’s explosive comeback, a setback for Axar Patel
Ravindra Jadeja’s return is the biggest highlight. He was dropped from the Australia series, but has now returned as an opener. Meanwhile, Axar Patel was dropped. He was India’s trump card in the Champions Trophy, but he didn’t find a place here.
Axar took three wickets in three matches and scored 31 and 44 runs with the bat, but couldn’t fit into the 15-member squad.
This selection choice is under scrutiny. Just a few months ago, Senior Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarwal explained the reason for ignoring Jadeja.
He said, “He is very much in the plans. But there will be some competition for places. Of course, he was there in the Champions Trophy squad because we took those extra spinners with the conditions there.
At the moment, we could only carry one and get some balance in the team with Washi and Kuldeep there as well. And I don’t think we are going to need more than that in Australia.”
Spinners like Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav have been included to balance the team. Agarwal was clear that there is no need for an extra left-arm spinner.
New Strategy: Left-handers boosted, Shami ignored again
Now India is focusing on balancing the right-handed batting. Tilak Varma, a left-hander, has been given a place in the middle order.
Rishabh Pant may also get a chance. Shreyas Iyer’s injury has prompted the think tank to experiment.
Hardik Pandya is still recovering, and Jasprit Bumrah has been rested. Mohammed Shami has demonstrated fitness in domestic cricket, but has been ruled out again.
The selectors have placed their faith in Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh. Mohammed Siraj also appears to have been rested.
ODI Squad
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli are in the squad. Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (captain and wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Dhruv Jurel are in the squad.
This series will be held in South Africa, where the pitches are challenging. India needs the right mix of spin and pace.
Jadeja’s all-round skills will strengthen the team, while the young players will find a testing ground.
