Team India opener KL Rahul is all set to lead the Men in Blues in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa if Rohit Sharma fails to recover in time to be on the plane to the land of the Rainbow Nation. It will be another feather in the cap for Rahul, who was recently appointed the Test vice-captain in the absence of Rohit.
Incidentally, Rohit Sharma was handed the full-time ODI captaincy before the tour of South Africa after Virat Kohli was removed from the role. Days after that, Rohit pulled his hamstring and was ruled out of the ongoing three-Test series.
While he is currently working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy, Rohit Sharma’s availability is still not sure.
“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,” a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source told Sports Tak on Monday.
Ravichandran Ashwin to return to India’s ODI set-up
Ashwin, who returned to the T20I fold during the ICC T20 World Cup earlier this year, is likely to make a comeback to the ODI squad. Along with the veteran off-spinner, Shikhar Dhawan is also likely to make a comeback.
The report also added that the selectors had a discussion about handing Tamil Nadu big-hitter Shahrukh Khan a maiden India call-up for the ODI series.
“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,” he added.
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
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