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After the completion of the T20 series, the action of the ODI series between India and South Africa is going to start. The first match of the series is to be played in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 17. Some changes have been made in the captaincy and team of Team India for this series. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of the T20 series, was dropped before the ODIs. In his place, KL Rahul is going to take the captaincy in this series. An eye will be kept on which players he will give a chance in the first match. Whether any player will get a chance to make his debut will also be something to watch.
About 23 months ago, KL Rahul captained Team India for the first time in the ODI series in South Africa. However, before this he had taken command in a Test match. Then Team India had to face a 0-3 defeat in that series and questions were raised on Rahul's leadership quality. Now, although there is no ODI tournament this year, but keeping in mind the Champions Trophy of 2025, Rahul can strengthen his claim with a strong captaincy in this series.
Rahul has a big chance
However, before assuming the captaincy on the field, Rahul will have to take some tough decisions off the field as well, which will be related to the selection of the playing eleven. For this series, Rahul does not have experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, so this is not only a greater challenge for him, but also a better opportunity. A day before the match, Rahul also expressed his intentions in this regard.
Rahul announced in a press conference on Saturday 16 December that explosive wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson will get a chance in the series and will bat in the middle order. However, Rahul has also made it clear that he will take the responsibility of wicketkeeping himself. Rahul also said that Rinku Singh will also get a chance during this series. However, it seems unlikely that he will be selected in the first match itself. Then which players Rahul can give a chance?
Questions in the opening and spin department
The biggest question is about the opening pair. Rituraj Gaikwad is set to play but who will be the opener with him? Rahul himself is an option but he has decided to play in the middle order. In such a situation, young batsman Sai Sudarshan is sure to get a chance to make his international debut. Tilak Verma may get a chance with him at number three. Shreyas Iyer, Rahul and Samson could be number four, five and six.
As far as bowling is concerned, Yuzvender Chahal is sure to return and Akshar Patel can become the second spinner along with him. Kuldeep Yadav, who performed well in the T20 series, can be rested in the first match. Apart from Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh, the team has no option of fast bowlers.
Possible Playing of Team India 11
KL Rahul (captain-wicketkeeper), Sai Sudarshan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Akshar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Yuzvender Chahal and Mukesh Kumar.
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