As India gear up for the first ODI match against South Africa, here's the selection problem Ruturaj Gaikwad may face for the Ranchi clash (Pic: X/File Pic)
Updated On: 2025-11-29 05:17 PM IST
Compiled by : Sujay Shivalkar
The first of the three ODI matches between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Jharkhand on November 30th (Pic: X/@BCCI)
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the ODI set-up, two spots in India's batting line-up will already be taken by the stalwarts (Pic: X/@BCCI)
Yashasvi Jaiswal will likely make his appearance in the first game. Considering that he will be opening the innings alongside Rohit, there will be no space left for Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top. Also, Kohli will come to bat at number three (Pic: File Pic)
India's squad also consists of the likes of Tilak Varma. If India's think tank gives Tilak a nod ahead of the opening match, it will also leave Ruturaj out of favour for the fourth spot (Pic: X/@BCCI)
With skipper KL Rahul coming in at number five or six, the Pune-born cricketer can likely fit in the position of either number five or six batsman. His spot in the middle-order still stays uncertain as the think tank will also look to fit in Rishabh Pant (Pic: X/@BCCI)
If India opt to bench Jaiswal, only then Ruturaj may come in at the top spot to open the innings with Rohit (Pic: File Pic)
