India’s Likely XI for 2nd ODI After Gaikwad Ruled Out

By Harshit - Dec 02, 2025 06:26 PM
Last updated on Dec 02, 2025 06:26 PM

The Indian team faces a selection puzzle ahead of the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur after Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to make an impact in the series opener. With the hosts looking to seal the three-match series, the management is weighing balance, form and match-up considerations to produce a playing eleven capable of controlling both the powerplay and the death overs. Squad depth gives India multiple routes to reshuffle the middle order and bowling mix without losing the team's core strengths.

Gaikwad’s low return at No. 4 in the opener has opened the door for changes in the middle order. The team now faces a clear choice between introducing a specialist batter to steady the innings or opting for a dynamic middle-order option who can accelerate quickly. At the same time, the pace and spin departments are under review as India seeks the right combination to exploit Raipur’s surface and expected conditions.

The toss, pitch reading and match-up data matter more than ever in a short series. India’s management is expected to prioritise players who can perform dual roles—batting depth and bowling support—while keeping in mind workload management for frontline pacers ahead of a packed international calendar. The likely changes are tactical, not knee-jerk: the aim is to sharpen the XI for the specific demands of Raipur and the bowling challenges posed by South Africa.

Middle-Order Dilemma: Experience or Explosive Firepower?

With Gaikwad unavailable or out of favour for a No. 4 slot, the selectors are considering two main options: a composed batter who can anchor the middle overs or an aggressive match-winner who can turn the momentum quickly. Tilak Varma represents the latter profile—young, innovative and capable of clearing the ropes—while Rishabh Pant offers a more established match-winning pedigree, especially in high-pressure run-chase situations.

Choosing between them is a question of role clarity. If India wants a stabiliser who can rebuild after early wickets, Pant’s experience and finishing ability might be favoured. Conversely, if the team seeks to maintain momentum by preserving an aggressive template across the batting order, Tilak Varma’s inclusion could inject freshness and unpredictable strokeplay in the middle overs.

All-Round Options and Washington Sundar's Place

Washington Sundar’s modest return with both bat and ball in the opener has prompted debate over his spot. The management could drop him in favour of a specialist batter to strengthen the top six or shift to a more batting-heavy, seam-focused balance by bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy—an emerging all-round option who has shown promise in recent domestic and limited international appearances.

Retaining Sundar would preserve a spin-bowling all-rounder in the XI, useful against left-right batting combinations and for controlling middle-overs run rates. Removing him, however, would allow for an additional frontline batter or an extra quick, depending on pitch readings—every choice changes the dynamic between runs and wickets in crucial phases of the match.

Opening Foundations and Yashasvi Jaiswal's Role

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s start in the opener was encouraging but incomplete, and the left-hander will be keen to convert his starts into a big score in Raipur. As an opening batter, Jaiswal provides brisk strokeplay and the ability to exploit the powerplay—an essential skill against South Africa’s new-ball plans. His role will become even more pivotal if the team opts to bring in a middle-order batter who prefers to play in the later phases.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, forming the top order’s experience anchor, will look to set a platform. Their form and partnerships set the tone for the chase or to post a formidable total. The combination of aggression and stabilization at the top remains central to India’s approach, with Jaiswal expected to either accelerate or consolidate based on the early momentum.

Spin and Pace Balance: Jadeja and Kuldeep Hold the Key

India arrives in Raipur with two proven spin options in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Both bowlers offer distinct utilities: Jadeja’s control and left-arm angle create pressure across the middle overs, while Kuldeep’s wrist-spin supplies wicket-taking variations which are particularly effective against set batters. The pair provide the spin balance necessary if the surface offers turn or slow bounce.

Depending on conditions, the management could use spin to stifle scoring rates in the middle overs, allowing seamers to operate in the powerplay and at the death. The decision to include an extra spinner or to persist with only two specialists will hinge on pitch reports and expected overheads.

Seam Attack Strategy: Protecting the Death Overs

India’s frontline pacers—tasked with new-ball strikes and death over management—must be rotated intelligently. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna offer left-right seam options with different skill sets: Arshdeep’s swing and control in the powerplay and Prasidh’s raw pace for the back end. Harshit Rana or other in-form quicks could slot in to provide variety and to share overs, keeping primary pacers fresh and effective.

Death-over planning will be vital against South Africa’s powerful middle order and lower-order hitters. Slower bouncers, well-directed yorkers and coordinated field placements can mitigate late-innings scoring. The management’s bowlers allocation—who takes the 45th over—could influence the match outcome as much as batting decisions.

Rishabh Pant vs Tilak Varma: Tactical Trade-Offs

Rishabh Pant’s selection would bring experience, finishing ability and wicketkeeping reliability, while Tilak Varma’s inclusion would signal a more aggressive middle-order policy with the team investing in youth dynamism. Pant can also influence match tempo through counter-attacking innings; Varma contributes flexibility to bat in multiple positions and can turn tight situations with power-hitting.

From a tactical perspective, Pant’s presence allows for a stronger hand if India intends to chase; his track record in run-chases and handling pressure makes him a natural fit in clutch situations. Varma, meanwhile, can exploit weaker bowling links and create match-defining overs through dynamic strokeplay in transitional phases.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: The New-Ball and Middle Overs Pawn

Nitish Kumar Reddy offers a blend of lower-order batting and medium-pace seam bowling that may prove handy in specific match scenarios. He could replace Sundar if selectors prefer a seam option capable of bowling at least four overs while contributing late-order runs. Reddy’s inclusion would strengthen seam depth and allow for flexible bowling rotations.

His role would be situational: to blunt the opposition’s middle order with accurate short spells and to provide a batting cushion down the order. For a pitch that offers pace and carry, Reddy’s seaming options could be more effective than an extra spinner.

Fielding, Fitness and Match-Ups

Modern ODI cricket rewards athletic fielding; thus, availability and match fitness often drive selection choices. Quick ground coverage, safe hands and boundary prevention remain critical—especially in tight run-chases. Teams will also consider left-right batting combinations and bowler-batter match-ups that exploit South Africa’s weaknesses.

Fitness management is crucial given the packed schedule; rotating players to avoid burnout without compromising performance will be a fine balancing act for the Indian staff. The management may prioritise players who can contribute in multiple ways—bat, bowl and field—over single-skill specialists in certain slots.

Predicted Playing XI and Final Thoughts

Based on form, balance and tactical logic, a likely Indian playing XI for the Raipur ODI could read: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma or Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy or Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna. The exact eleven will depend on the pitch and final team strategy announced after the toss.

Ultimately, this selection window offers India a chance to tweak its approach, shore up weak links and assert dominance in the series. With the second ODI acting as a potential series decider, tactical clarity, match-readiness and the ability to adapt quickly to game states will determine which combination emerges victorious in Raipur.

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