When Shubman Gill went down clutching his neck during Day 2 of the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 17, 2025, no one expected it to end his captaincy run — or his 2025 season. The 26-year-old, appointed ODI skipper after the Asia Cup, is now sidelined with a neck injury, forcing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reshuffle its leadership just days before the three-match ODI series against South Africa begins in Ranchi. Enter KL Rahul, the calm, experienced wicketkeeper-batter who’s led India in 12 ODIs before. His appointment isn’t a surprise — it’s a safety net. And with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to Indian soil for ODIs after nine months, this series feels like a turning point.
Leadership Vacuum Filled by Experience
The BCCI’s announcement on November 24, 2025, confirmed what many suspected: Shubman Gill wouldn’t play again in 2025. The injury, sustained during a routine dive while fielding against South Africa, wasn’t severe enough for surgery, but too risky to risk in a high-stakes ODI series. The selectors didn’t just look at seniority — they looked at track record. KL Rahul had captained India in 12 ODIs between 2021 and 2023, including a successful home series against England. He’s led under pressure, handled media storms, and even steered India to a semi-final in the 2023 World Cup. This isn’t a stopgap — it’s a strategic pause.Shreyas Iyer, the designated vice-captain, was already out after shoulder surgery following India’s grueling Australia tour. Rishabh Pant, despite his explosive talent, was ruled out as captain due to his lack of ODI match time — his last appearance was against Sri Lanka in March 2024, and he was an unused reserve in the Champions Trophy. The selectors didn’t want to throw a young, untested player into the deep end. Rahul? He’s been there, done that.
The Squad: Rotation, Resurgence, and the Return of Legends
The team sheet reads like a balancing act between youth and wisdom. With Gill out, Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Mumbai dynamo, will open alongside Rohit Sharma — the man who hasn’t played an ODI in India since March 2024. That’s nine months. Nine months since fans last saw him in a blue jersey at home. Same for Virat Kohli, who last wore the cap in Delhi during the England series. Their return isn’t sentimental — it’s tactical. Two of India’s most clutch performers, two men who’ve won matches single-handedly, are back to anchor the middle order.The pace attack saw some interesting moves. Prasidh Krishna, who’s been in blistering form for Karnataka, replaces the rested Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom bowled over 200 overs across five Tests. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh round out the attack — young, fast, and hungry. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, despite his experience and recent IPL form, remains excluded — a pattern that’s becoming harder to ignore.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 27-year-old opener from Pune, gets a second chance. He last played an ODI in 2023, but his 117 against England Lions last month was too good to ignore. He’s not just a backup — he’s insurance. If Jaiswal falters, Gaikwad’s calm technique could stabilize the innings.
What This Means for the Future
This series isn’t just about beating South Africa. It’s about preparing for the 2027 World Cup. India’s core — Kohli, Rohit, Rahul — are all in their 30s. The next generation needs to step up. But the selectors aren’t rushing it. They’re blending. They’re letting the veterans guide the young guns through pressure situations. That’s why Gill’s absence, while disappointing, might be a blessing in disguise. He’s not being dropped — he’s being protected. The BCCI’s source told PTI he’s expected back against New Zealand in January 2026. That’s not a promise — it’s a plan.And what about the T20I series starting December 9 in Cuttack? Gill’s out there too. His recovery timeline stretches into January. The BCCI’s message is clear: longevity over short-term fixes. This isn’t about one series. It’s about building a team that can survive a World Cup campaign.
Timeline: The Road Ahead
- November 17, 2025: Gill injured during Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- November 24, 2025: BCCI announces squad — Gill and Iyer ruled out; Rahul named captain.
- November 30, 2025: First ODI vs South Africa at JSCA Stadium, Ranchi.
- December 9, 2025: T20I series vs South Africa begins in Cuttack — Gill still out.
- January 11, 2026: Expected ODI return vs New Zealand in Vadodara.
- January 18, 2026: Final ODI of the New Zealand series in Indore.
For fans, this is more than cricket. It’s about watching legends return. It’s about seeing a new generation learn under pressure. It’s about knowing that even when the captain falls, the team doesn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was KL Rahul chosen over Rishabh Pant as captain?
Though Pant is a dynamic player, he hasn’t played an ODI since March 2024 and was an unused member of the 2025 Champions Trophy squad. Rahul, by contrast, has captained India in 12 ODIs and has proven leadership under pressure. The selectors prioritized match experience and calm decision-making over raw talent in high-stakes conditions.
When is Shubman Gill expected to return to international cricket?
According to a BCCI source cited by PTI, Gill is expected to return during the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026. His first match back is likely on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by Rajkot on the 14th and Indore on the 18th. He’s ruled out for all remaining 2025 fixtures, including the T20I series against South Africa.
Why is Mohammed Shami still left out of the squad?
Despite his experience and strong IPL performances, Shami has been consistently left out since the 2024 home season. The BCCI appears to favor younger, faster options like Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, possibly to build depth for the 2027 World Cup. His absence continues to draw criticism from fans and analysts alike.
What’s the significance of Kohli and Rohit’s return to home ODIs?
Their last home ODI appearance was in March 2024 against England. After nine months away, their return brings veteran leadership, match-winning ability, and massive fan appeal. With India preparing for the 2027 World Cup, their presence stabilizes the middle order and mentors younger players during high-pressure home games.
How does this squad reflect India’s World Cup preparation?
The selection blends experience (Kohli, Rohit, Rahul) with emerging talent (Jaiswal, Rana, Gaikwad). Fast bowlers are being rotated to manage workload ahead of a long season. The focus is on building depth, testing partnerships, and identifying who can perform under home conditions — all critical for the 2027 World Cup campaign.
Will Shubman Gill remain captain after his return?
It’s uncertain. Gill’s captaincy was a trial, not a long-term appointment. His performance in the Asia Cup was underwhelming, and with Rahul proving capable, the BCCI may reassess leadership after the New Zealand series. Gill’s future as captain depends on his form, fitness, and how the team performs under Rahul’s leadership.
