Why was KL Rahul picked as ODI captain over Rishabh Pant? BCCI official explains

Published - 24 Nov 2025, 11:24 IST | Updated - 24 Nov 2025, 11:40 IST

Ahead of the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against South Africa, India named their 15-member squad with KL Rahul as the captain. The decision was made as captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer were both unavailable due to their respective injuries. However, many had predicted that Rishabh Pant would lead the side in case Gill and Iyer don't make it.

Contrary to the popular beliefs, the selection committee picked Rahul as the skipper, while citing the reason that Rahul is more used to playing the format and has been a consistent in the Playing XI. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, has played only one ODI in 2025, which was the reason the wicketkeeper-batter wasn't picked to lead the side in Gill's absence.

"Rahul's captaincy is one off and should be seen in isolation. Rishabh (Pant) wasn't considered as he has played only one ODI game in the last one year. The selectors expect that Shubman Gill's neck injury will heal and he will be back against New Zealand (3 ODIs in January 2026)," the BCCI official was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

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