IND vs SA: Rishabh Pant, Tilak Varma in contention to take No.4 spot for South Africa ODIs after injuries to Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer - Reports

Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma are expected to be selected for the ODI series against South Africa in the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.

Indian Cricket Team have suffered a big blow ahead of the ODI series against South Africa Cricket Team as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have been ruled out of the campaign, according to a report by The Times of India. While Iyer was ruled out of the series last month, Gill is likely to return in the T20I series against South Africa, scheduled to commence on December 9.

Moreover, the report also suggests that Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma are highly likely to get a place in ODI squad in the absence of Gill and Iyer. Pant hasn’t played ODIs in recent times, while Varma lacks experience in the 50-over format. However, selectors are looking to fill in the number four batting slot in the absence of Iyer.

Selectors are keen to induct Pant and Varma as they want left-handers in the middle-order. The current ODI team is dominated by right-handed batters, with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Gill, Virat Kohli, Iyer, and KL Rahul. While Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to get a straight entry into playing XI as an opener in Gill’s absence, Varma or Pant might be picked to fill Iyer’s spot at No.4.

Indian selectors are going to meet in Guwahati to pick the squad for the ODI series against South Africa. Due to Gill and Iyer’s absence from the series, Pant is also in contention to lead the team.

Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill have been ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa- Reports

Iyer, who was named as ODI vice-captain prior to the Australia tour last month, sustained a severe spleen injury while fielding in the third ODI at Sydney. He was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment of lacerated spleen and internal bleeding. Hence, he has been ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa.

Gill sustained a neck injury while batting in the first innings of the first test against South Africa. While hitting a boundary off Simon Harmer’s over, he suffered a neck spasm and immediately left the field. Later, he was ruled out of the entire match, with Pant taking over as stand-in captain. Gill was also ruled out of the second test, and according to reports, he will miss the entire ODI series against South Africa.

Meanwhile, the ODI series between India and South Africa will commence on November 30 with the opening game at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. The next two encounters will be played on December 3 and 6 in Raipur and Vishakhapatnam respectively.

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