Shubman Gill suffered a neck spasm during the first Test match in Kolkata while playing a short shot, and there is a chance he might miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which will start on November 30. This has left the Indian team management with a crucial decision: who will lead the team in Gill’s absence? Leadership is key in international cricket, and India needs someone experienced and consistent to take charge for the series. Here are three players who could potentially replace Shubman Gill as India’s ODI skipper. KL Rahul KL Rahul is currently the front-runner for the role. He has been one of India’s most consistent performers in white-ball cricket and has also shown great temperament in big matches. Rahul’s experience and calm nature make him an ideal candidate to handle the pressure of leading the team. He has already captained India in a few limited-overs matches and knows how to manage both senior and young players. His ability to anchor innings and lead from the front with his batting makes him a strong option for the captaincy. Also Read | Did KL Rahul target LSG owner? Opener reveals how captaincy can be draining in franchise cricket Axar Patel Axar Patel is also a strong contender for the captaincy. He is a regular member of the Indian team and brings valuable experience to the table. Axar has led the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has shown that he can handle leadership responsibilities. His understanding of the game, combined with his ability to perform consistently with both bat and ball, makes him a practical choice as interim captain. Axar’s presence in the team would also provide balance, as he could contribute with crucial all-round performances while leading. Rohit Sharma Another potential choice is former India captain Rohit Sharma. Rohit has led the team in ODIs and T20Is for several years and has a proven track record of winning matches as captain. He is known for his tactical acumen, calm decision-making, and ability to inspire players. While he has been more of a senior batter in recent series, his leadership experience cannot be ignored. In a situation where Shubman Gill is unavailable, Rohit could easily take the reins and guide India through the three-match ODI series against South Africa. With the ODI series scheduled to begin on November 30, the Indian management will have to make a timely decision. Whether it is KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, or Axar Patel, the team needs a leader who can maintain focus, motivate the players, and ensure India performs at its best in the absence of Shubman Gill.