Notably, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been recalled to the ODI setup and according to multiple reports will serve as the vice-captain for the series. Pant’s inclusion adds experience to India’s middle order and wicketkeeping options.
The squad named for the ODI series is: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (c &wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh and Dhruv Jurel. This list balances senior experience with younger talent.
Key recalls and selections
Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the recent Australia tour, returns to the ODI squad a selection that strengthens India’s spin-allround options and middle-order depth. Jadeja’s experience is seen as valuable across Indian conditions.
Ruturaj Gaikwad earned selection after a strong showing for India A, where he finished as top scorer in the unofficial ODI series against South Africa A. While included in the 15, Gaikwad may face stiff competition for playing XI spots from the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Notable absences and injury context
Captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury during the first Test, has been ruled out of the ODI series while he undergoes further assessment and rest. The selectors opted not to rush Gill back, prioritising his long-term fitness.
Shreyas Iyer remains sidelined after sustaining a spleen laceration earlier in the season and is expected to be out for an extended period. Jasprit Bumrah has been managed carefully, with rest and rotation discussed by the management ahead of the white-ball schedule.
Leadership choices and strategy
With Gill unavailable, the BCCI and selection panel opted for a steady, experience-led approach: KL Rahul’s tactical calm is expected to guide the side, while the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli offers batting firepower and leadership in pressure moments. The Rahul-Pant pairing provides wicketkeeping flexibility and an experienced middle-order option.
What fans and selectors will watch
Selectors and fans will closely monitor opening partnerships and middle-order balance, especially how Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal slot into the batting order. The management’s handling of Bumrah’s workload and Jadeja’s role with the ball and bat will also be key talking points across the three matches.
For the latest official release, readers may consult the BCCI’s announcements and follow match schedules on the BCCI website. For live updates and ongoing commentary, reputable outlets such as NDTV Sports and India Today are providing ball-by-ball coverage and analysis.