New Delhi, November 29, 2025 – India have appointed KL Rahul as captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, stepping in amid injury setbacks to key players Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
Rahul, who has previously led India in 12 ODIs, three Tests and one T20I, was informed of the decision just a day before the official announcement. With Gill recovering from a neck injury sustained in the first Test against South Africa and vice-captain Iyer sidelined since the Australia ODI series, selectors turned to Rahul to lead until Gill regains full fitness.
Speaking ahead of the series opener in Ranchi, Rahul said he was excited to take on the responsibility. “I have captained the side before. It’s always exciting. I enjoy the responsibility of making the right decisions for the team. I don’t think too much about it,” he said.
Rahul has successfully shifted from a Test opener to a reliable middle-order finisher in ODIs, a role he executed during India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year and during the recent tour of Australia. The 33-year-old also captained India to a 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa in 2023, becoming only the second Indian captain after Virat Kohli to win an ODI series on South African soil.
Rahul emphasized that India’s senior core—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja—will continue to guide leadership decisions as the team builds towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. “We all think of ourselves as leaders. Whether I am captain or someone else is, the goal remains the same,” he added.
The stand-in captain noted that India’s approach remains centered on collective effort and long-term planning. “It is always a collective effort toward a bigger goal,” he said.
India’s ODI Schedule vs South Africa:
• 1st ODI: November 30, Ranchi – 1:30 PM IST
• 2nd ODI: December 3, New Raipur – 1:30 PM IST
• 3rd ODI: December 6, Visakhapatnam – 1:30 PM IST