With Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck injury, Indian batter KL Rahul will lead the Indian team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. The first match begins on November 30, 2025, in Ranchi. Rahul has led India in ODIs before, having captained 12 times between 2022 and 2023.
"Just a day before the announcement, I was told that the opportunity might come and I might have to lead. I have captained the side before. It is something that is very exciting. I look forward to enjoying that responsibility. I have always enjoyed responsibility, making the right decisions for the team. That's about it. I don't think too much about it," Rahul said at the press conference.
India's squad also includes the likes of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Moreover, Ravindra Jadeja is making a comeback to the side after missing the Australia series. KL Rahul felt that their presence will be helpful
"I obviously have Rohit, Virat, Jaddu, all the senior players around me who will help out. How we have all played our cricket is to think of it as we are all leaders, and we try and do the best for the team. That continues whether I am captain or someone else is captain. It is always a collective effort to doing something in the direction of a bigger goal."
KL Rahul, meanwhile, highlighted the impact of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who both now only play ODIs, having retired from Tests and T20Is.
“Their importance at any point is huge. To have senior players in the team obviously makes the dressing room feel a lot more confident. Having their presence and experience helps out a lot of players in the dressing room and helps out the team. So, really happy that they are here," KL Rahul said.