IND vs SA 2025: Former India cricketer backs KL Rahul as right choice to lead ODI squad in Shubman Gill's absence

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has spoken in favour of the selectors backing KL Rahul to step in place of Shubman Gill to lead the ODI squad in the upcoming series against South Africa. Gill sustained a nerve-related issue in his neck during the first Test of the ongoing series against the Proteas.

Before justifying why he felt Rahul was the ideal fit for captaincy, Kaif pointed out that former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma should have been handed over the baton of captaincy. He further highlighted why the others in the squad would not be selected as captain.  

"There’s no one else. Rohit Sharma should’ve captained but they moved on from him earlier. He should’ve been the captain now, given he is coming off a hundred in Sydney. The Indian team is now having a mindset of moving on and giving opportunities to new players. Till the time Rohit is playing and in form, he should’ve captained. Virat Kohli won’t captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal doesn’t play that regularly, Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been given opportunities. Even Rishabh Pant is coming back after a long time," stated Kaif in a video on his YouTube channel.

Kaif suggested that Rahul had the right amount of experience as a player and captain under his belt to be able to lead the squad for the three-match 50-over leg which is scheduled to commence on Sunday, November 30. 

"Hence, he seems like the right choice. He has captaincy experience and even did it in the IPL. Until Shubman Gill returns, Rahul seems like the right option. I’m still surprised though. The player who made the team, who backed KL Rahul, it’s Rohit Sharma. Despite being in the squad, the captaincy is snatched away from him. There will be questions about that," he added.

India's 15-member squad for the ODI series was recently announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Rahul, who is currently playing the Test series, was handed over captaincy despite the likes of Rohit and Virat Kohli being present.

The three ODIs will be played in Ranchi (November 30), Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6). They currently trail the Test series after losing the series-opening encounter by 30 runs. The Men in Blue are currently in Guwahati.