Team India has some major issues to resolve ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa. Veteran Indian opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/strange-how-he-gets-injured-before-overseas-tests-twitter-reacts-as-rohit-sharma-gets-ruled-out-of-south-africa-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a> sustained a hamstring injury and subsequently got ruled out of the Test series. His participation in the ODI leg isn’t certain either. Notably, he had replaced Virat Kohli as India’s ODI skipper earlier this month.

Hence, the South Africa tour would have been his first assignment in full-time role. However, dark clouds are now looming over his participation. Moreover, it has been reported that Kohli will also give the ODI series a miss in order to attend his daughter Vamika’s first birthday. Hence, the Indian team will find itself in a spot of bother if none of the two are available for the three-match series.

In that case, it would be interesting to see who’ll lead the Men in Blue. Among active cricketers, only Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane have led the national team in the past besides Rohit and Virat. While Rahane hasn’t played any white-ball game since 2018, Dhawan’s selection is not certain. Hence, BCCI might have to go with a new option.

Let’s look at three players who can lead India in South Africa ODIs:

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-581132 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581132" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the finest batters going around in white-ball cricket, KL Rahul is most likely to lead the team in Kohli and Rohit’s absence. The right-handed batter has emerged as a superstar of this format as he can torment the best of bowlers. While Rahul is consistent with his batting performances, his versatility sets him apart from other players.

The 29-year-old can open, bat in the middle-order and even finish the innings. If that’s not enough, he’s also a handy wicketkeeper. Hence, the selectors have all reasons to consider him. It must be noted that Rahul was named India’s vice-captain during the white-ball series in Australia last year as Rohit was injured.

Also, he led Punjab Kings in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) editions. Hence, the dasher is the front-runner to don the captain’s hat if neither Rohit nor <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/substantiates-speculation-about-rift-mohamamd-azharuddin-on-timing-of-virat-kohli-rohit-sharmas-breaks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat </a>is available.

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-499290 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pants-fifty.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant's fifty" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-499290" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant&#8217;s fifty. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the hottest properties going around in world cricket, Rishabh Pant has made a name for himself in a short period of time. Interestingly, his emergence coincided with the twilight of MS Dhoni’s international career. Hence, he was straightaway handed the wicket-keeping duties after the former Indian captain left the international arena.

Although Pant has already seen several ups and downs, he has also played some astonishing knocks across all formats. With his being just 24, many are already seeing him as the future captain of the national team. If the BCCI selectors also think on the same page, the wicketkeeper might handed the captaincy duties in Kohli and Rohit’s absence.

Notably, Pant is not really alien to the leadership role as he led Delhi Capitals in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/">IPL</a>). As he took his side to the playoffs, the franchise owners are set to stick with him as the skipper.

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-495046 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hanuma-vihari-should-be-considered-ahead-of-shreyas-iyer-in-south-africa-tests-sanjay-bangar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iyer </a>has proven his mettle in the international arena and is expected to go a long way. The right-handed batter has an orthodox technique and solid defense, which allows him to stay at the crease for long. His ability to score quick runs makes him an even greater asset. While Iyer looks set to become a phenomenal batter, he embraces captaincy as well.

Before Pant, Iyer used to lead Delhi Capitals and he did a phenomenal job. While he took DC to the playoffs in the 2019 season, the subsequent season saw the Capitals making their maiden appearance in the finals. In fact, the 27-year-old is reportedly keen to get the leadership role in IPL 2022.

Owing to all these factors, the selectors might try Iyer in the leadership role. Notably, the batter would be high on confidence, having scored a century on Test debut against New Zealand last month.

Team India has some major issues to resolve ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa. Veteran Indian opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/strange-how-he-gets-injured-before-overseas-tests-twitter-reacts-as-rohit-sharma-gets-ruled-out-of-south-africa-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a> sustained a hamstring injury and subsequently got ruled out of the Test series. His participation in the ODI leg isn’t certain either. Notably, he had replaced Virat Kohli as India’s ODI skipper earlier this month.
Hence, the South Africa tour would have been his first assignment in full-time role. However, dark clouds are now looming over his participation. Moreover, it has been reported that Kohli will also give the ODI series a miss in order to attend his daughter Vamika’s first birthday. Hence, the Indian team will find itself in a spot of bother if none of the two are available for the three-match series.
In that case, it would be interesting to see who’ll lead the Men in Blue. Among active cricketers, only Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane have led the national team in the past besides Rohit and Virat. While Rahane hasn’t played any white-ball game since 2018, Dhawan’s selection is not certain. Hence, BCCI might have to go with a new option.
<h3>Let’s look at three players who can lead India in South Africa ODIs:</h3>
<h3>1. KL Rahul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_581132" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581132" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="wp-image-581132 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581132" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
One of the finest batters going around in white-ball cricket, KL Rahul is most likely to lead the team in Kohli and Rohit’s absence. The right-handed batter has emerged as a superstar of this format as he can torment the best of bowlers. While Rahul is consistent with his batting performances, his versatility sets him apart from other players.
The 29-year-old can open, bat in the middle-order and even finish the innings. If that’s not enough, he’s also a handy wicketkeeper. Hence, the selectors have all reasons to consider him. It must be noted that Rahul was named India’s vice-captain during the white-ball series in Australia last year as Rohit was injured.
Also, he led Punjab Kings in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) editions. Hence, the dasher is the front-runner to don the captain’s hat if neither Rohit nor <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/substantiates-speculation-about-rift-mohamamd-azharuddin-on-timing-of-virat-kohli-rohit-sharmas-breaks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat </a>is available.

<h3>2. Rishabh Pant</h3>
<figure id="attachment_499290" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-499290" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="wp-image-499290 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pants-fifty.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant's fifty" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-499290" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant’s fifty. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
One of the hottest properties going around in world cricket, Rishabh Pant has made a name for himself in a short period of time. Interestingly, his emergence coincided with the twilight of MS Dhoni’s international career. Hence, he was straightaway handed the wicket-keeping duties after the former Indian captain left the international arena.
Although Pant has already seen several ups and downs, he has also played some astonishing knocks across all formats. With his being just 24, many are already seeing him as the future captain of the national team. If the BCCI selectors also think on the same page, the wicketkeeper might handed the captaincy duties in Kohli and Rohit’s absence.
Notably, Pant is not really alien to the leadership role as he led Delhi Capitals in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/">IPL</a>). As he took his side to the playoffs, the franchise owners are set to stick with him as the skipper.

<h3>3. Shreyas Iyer</h3>
<figure id="attachment_495046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="wp-image-495046 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hanuma-vihari-should-be-considered-ahead-of-shreyas-iyer-in-south-africa-tests-sanjay-bangar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iyer </a>has proven his mettle in the international arena and is expected to go a long way. The right-handed batter has an orthodox technique and solid defense, which allows him to stay at the crease for long. His ability to score quick runs makes him an even greater asset. While Iyer looks set to become a phenomenal batter, he embraces captaincy as well.
Before Pant, Iyer used to lead Delhi Capitals and he did a phenomenal job. While he took DC to the playoffs in the 2019 season, the subsequent season saw the Capitals making their maiden appearance in the finals. In fact, the 27-year-old is reportedly keen to get the leadership role in IPL 2022.
Owing to all these factors, the selectors might try Iyer in the leadership role. Notably, the batter would be high on confidence, having scored a century on Test debut against New Zealand last month.

Team India has some major issues to resolve ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa. Veteran Indian opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/strange-how-he-gets-injured-before-overseas-tests-twitter-reacts-as-rohit-sharma-gets-ruled-out-of-south-africa-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a> sustained a hamstring injury and subsequently got ruled out of the Test series. His participation in the ODI leg isn’t certain either. Notably, he had replaced Virat Kohli as India’s ODI skipper earlier this month.
Hence, the South Africa tour would have been his first assignment in full-time role. However, dark clouds are now looming over his participation. Moreover, it has been reported that Kohli will also give the ODI series a miss in order to attend his daughter Vamika’s first birthday. Hence, the Indian team will find itself in a spot of bother if none of the two are available for the three-match series.
In that case, it would be interesting to see who’ll lead the Men in Blue. Among active cricketers, only Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane have led the national team in the past besides Rohit and Virat. While Rahane hasn’t played any white-ball game since 2018, Dhawan’s selection is not certain. Hence, BCCI might have to go with a new option.
<h3>Let’s look at three players who can lead India in South Africa ODIs:</h3>
<h3>1. KL Rahul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_581132" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581132" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-581132 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581132" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
One of the finest batters going around in white-ball cricket, KL Rahul is most likely to lead the team in Kohli and Rohit’s absence. The right-handed batter has emerged as a superstar of this format as he can torment the best of bowlers. While Rahul is consistent with his batting performances, his versatility sets him apart from other players.
The 29-year-old can open, bat in the middle-order and even finish the innings. If that’s not enough, he’s also a handy wicketkeeper. Hence, the selectors have all reasons to consider him. It must be noted that Rahul was named India’s vice-captain during the white-ball series in Australia last year as Rohit was injured.
Also, he led Punjab Kings in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) editions. Hence, the dasher is the front-runner to don the captain’s hat if neither Rohit nor <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/substantiates-speculation-about-rift-mohamamd-azharuddin-on-timing-of-virat-kohli-rohit-sharmas-breaks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat </a>is available.

<h3>2. Rishabh Pant</h3>
<figure id="attachment_499290" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-499290" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-499290 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pants-fifty.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant's fifty" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-499290" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant&#8217;s fifty. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
One of the hottest properties going around in world cricket, Rishabh Pant has made a name for himself in a short period of time. Interestingly, his emergence coincided with the twilight of MS Dhoni’s international career. Hence, he was straightaway handed the wicket-keeping duties after the former Indian captain left the international arena.
Although Pant has already seen several ups and downs, he has also played some astonishing knocks across all formats. With his being just 24, many are already seeing him as the future captain of the national team. If the BCCI selectors also think on the same page, the wicketkeeper might handed the captaincy duties in Kohli and Rohit’s absence.
Notably, Pant is not really alien to the leadership role as he led Delhi Capitals in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/">IPL</a>). As he took his side to the playoffs, the franchise owners are set to stick with him as the skipper.

<h3>3. Shreyas Iyer</h3>
<figure id="attachment_495046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-495046" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-495046 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hanuma-vihari-should-be-considered-ahead-of-shreyas-iyer-in-south-africa-tests-sanjay-bangar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iyer </a>has proven his mettle in the international arena and is expected to go a long way. The right-handed batter has an orthodox technique and solid defense, which allows him to stay at the crease for long. His ability to score quick runs makes him an even greater asset. While Iyer looks set to become a phenomenal batter, he embraces captaincy as well.
Before Pant, Iyer used to lead Delhi Capitals and he did a phenomenal job. While he took DC to the playoffs in the 2019 season, the subsequent season saw the Capitals making their maiden appearance in the finals. In fact, the 27-year-old is reportedly keen to get the leadership role in IPL 2022.
Owing to all these factors, the selectors might try Iyer in the leadership role. Notably, the batter would be high on confidence, having scored a century on Test debut against New Zealand last month.

Rohit's participation in the ODI leg isn’t certain due to fitness issues.

SA vs IND: 3 players who can lead India in South Africa ODIs if neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli is available

It has been reported that Kohli will also give the ODI series a miss in order to attend his daughter Vamika’s first birthday.