"He is good enough to play as a specialist batter" - KL Rahul drops massive hint on India's playing 11 for IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Team India ODI stand-in captain KL Rahul has backed Rishabh Pant to feature in the middle-order amid Shreyas Iyer's absence due to injury in the upcoming home series against South Africa. The Men in Blue have a major void at No.4 that needs resolution, with multiple candidates up for the role to make an impression.

Rishabh Pant has been on the decline in ODIs for a while, having played only one ODI since his comeback after the car accident. While the southpaw has been consistently part of the squad, he has struggled for game time as KL Rahul has taken over as the first-choice wicket-keeper batter.

The flamboyant batter had to settle for a place on the bench during India's home series against England and the entire 2025 Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year. Team India have used Axar Patel as a floater at No.5 to bring a left-handed option, and the all-rounder's handy contributions with the bat have left Pant still on the bench.

Given that India now need a middle-order batter in Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel's absence, Pant has a solid chance to feature over the likes of Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

"For Rishabh, he is good enough to play as a specialist batter, but we will see tomorrow. Of course, if he is playing, he will take the gloves, but we will see that tomorrow," KL Rahul said during the pre-match press conference (via RevSportz).

Another versatile option that India can afford to plug their holes in either the top or the middle order is Ruturaj Gaikwad. The right-handed batter is in sublime form, having been among the runs in the unofficial ODI series between India 'A' and South Africa 'A', accompanied by a fine run in the first half of the Ranji Trophy campaign for Maharashtra.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad is a phenomenal player. The dynamics of our ODI top 5-6 is such, it is very settled. But he has done well in whatever limited opportunities he has had. Looking forward to giving him the opportunity in this series," he added.

Gaikwad's debut and most recent ODI appearance have both come against South Africa. His last appearance for Team India was during the away five-match series against Zimbabwe right after the 2024 T20 World Cup.

"I will be batting at 6" - KL Rahul clarifies his role in the middle-order ahead of IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

There were doubts regarding KL Rahul's batting position after Shreyas Iyer's injury. As someone with an average of 55.80 at No.4, the wicket-keeper is well-equipped to be the backbone of the batting unit, while another player takes over his role below in the batting order.

However, KL Rahul maintained that he would be holding his role at No.6, much like he has done in recent times in the format.

"I will be batting at 6, that's where I have been batting," KL Rahul confirmed.

The upcoming ODI series will see KL Rahul returning to a leadership role after a considerable time. Once the deputy for India across formats, he was asked to lead the team again since both the captain and vice-captain of the current ODI team have been ruled out due to injuries.

"The day before the announcement, I was informed that I might lead. I have done this in the past. I have always enjoyed responsibility. To have Rohit, Virat, Jadeja with me, there's going to be a collective effort to achieve the bigger goal," the skipper said.

KL Rahul has led India in 12 ODIs to date, of which six have been against South Africa. He endured a 0-3 whitewash in his debut series as captain, but followed it up with one loss in the last nine matches.

The first ODI between India and South Africa will take place at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.