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IND VS SA: Star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has returned to the national side in the 50-over format after two years, and as per India's stand-in skipper KL Rahul, the youngster might be included in India's playing XI in this series. As per Rahul, who will be leading the side from the front in Shubman Gill's absence, revealed that Gaikwad is a phenomenal player who has performed well in whatever chances he has had till now, and is eager to give him more chances in this series.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad is a phenomenal player. The dynamics of our ODI top 5-6 are such that 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," Rahul told reporters in the pre-match press conference.

Gaikwad was included in India's ODI team on the back of his brilliant performances in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 and the three-match unofficial one-day series against South Africa A.

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In the pre-match conference, he was also asked whether Rishabh Pant would play in the first match. He didn't reveal much about Pant's inclusion in the playing XI but said that Pant might be considered as a wicketkeeper as well.

“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," he said.

When Axar Patel is in the playing XI in this format, Rahul batted at the No.6 position in the ICC Champions Trophy and in the ODI series against Australia as well. But since Axar isn't a part of this series, Rahul revealed that he will still bat at N0.6 position.

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“I will be batting at 6; that’s what I have been batting," he concluded.

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