India vs South Africa: The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is going to start in Ranchi. This time Team India will come with new leadership because regular captain Shubman Gill is not a part of the series due to injury. KL Rahul is taking command in his place.

The biggest question before Rahul is who will get the new opening partner for the team along with Rohit Sharma. The pair of Gill and Rohit has been successful for a long time, so it will not be easy to fill their place. There are two contenders in the squad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his debut in ODI cricket for India in February 2025. However, till now he has played only one ODI, in which he could score only 15 runs. Due to the constant presence of Shubman Gill, he did not get much opportunities in the ODI format. But Jaiswal has proved himself brilliantly in Test cricket. In the last few years, he has become a strong link of the Indian Test team and has shown his talent by scoring 2511 runs. He also has 7 centuries and 13 half-centuries to his name. In such a situation, if they get a big opening opportunity, they would like to capitalize on it.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

On the other hand, Rituraj Gaikwad has played more matches than Jaiswal in the ODI format. He has returned to the ODI team after a long time and last played this format in 2024. Gaikwad has so far played 6 ODI matches and scored 115 runs, which includes a half-century. In recent times, he has scored runs consistently in domestic cricket and has also performed brilliantly for the India A team. His technique, patience and ability to strike rotation make him a strong contender.

Team management now has three possibilities

1. Jaiswal gets a chance in the opening and Gaikwad in the middle order.

2. Gaikwad gets the opening and Jaiswal out.

3. By keeping both of them in the playing eleven, giving equal responsibility in the opening middle.

read this also:Suspense over Rishabh Pant’s role is over! KL Rahul told his important role

The tone of the team will decide the decision

Which batsman comes in with Rohit Sharma in Ranchi ODI will decide the direction of not only this match but the entire series. Rahul and the management will take the final decision based on the conditions, pitch and strategy. Now all eyes are on who will start a new partnership with Rohit and whether he will be able to give a strong start to the team.