IND vs SA: 4 Indian cricketers who returned to ODI squad after a long time

Indian Cricket Team will host South Africa in a three-match ODI series from November 30 to December 6.

On Sunday, 23rd Novemverm the Indian selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The two teams are currently engaged in the second test in Guwahati, which will be followed by three ODIs between November 30 and December 6.

Shubman Gill, who injured his neck in the first test in Kolkata, has been ruled out, while vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is still in his rehab. Hence, the selectors have handed captaincy to KL Rahul. India have rested Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be in action. But, there are a few names that made a surprise entry to the squad after a long time period. In this article, we will discuss four stars who are back in ODIs after a long gap.

IND vs SA: 4 Indian cricketers who returned to ODI squad after a long time

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

The long-awaited inclusion in the squad is of Ruturaj Gaikwad is over. The 28-year-old played his last international game in July 2024, while his last ODI was in December 2023. So, after a long wait of almost two years, he is back in the squad. Gill’s absence has left a spot at the top.

Hence, India have included Gaikwad, who is known for his temperament and class. He is also in good form and ended the three-match unofficial ODI series against South Africa A as the highest run-scorer.

2. Rishabh Pant

The stand-in captain in the ongoing test in Guwahati, Rishabh Pant, is also back in ODIs. He missed the last ODI series in Australia due to an injury. KL Rahul has been India’s first-choice keeper in ODIs. But, whenever Pant is fit, he has been in the squad.

He was also one of the front-runners to lead India for the series in the absence of Gill. Pant’s comeback will give India options in the middle order. If he gets a chance to play, it will be a long-awaited return for him as he played his last ODIs in August 2024.

3. Ravindra Jadeja

The big headline is that veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is back in ODIs. He wasn’t picked for the Australia ODIs, which ignited rumours of India looking beyond him. But, he is back after some good form under his belt.

The selectors have dropped Axar Patel, which means Jadeja might feature in all three ODIs. For the all-rounder, it has been a long wait as his last ODI was against New Zealand in the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.

4. Tilak Varma

India’s T20I star Tilak Varma has also been included in the Indian squad for the IND vs SA ODI series. He has been a permanent member of India’s T20I squad and has had a pretty good start to his career. He has played four ODIs for India, but those came almost two years ago.

His last ODI was in December 2023 against South Africa. So, he will have a chance to make his ODI comeback against the same team. It will also be an opportunity for him to perform and impress the selectors for the upcoming ODI assignments.

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