Team India face big selection doubts ahead of 1st ODI against South Africa, THIS player’s spot is in danger

Rishabh Pant’s place in the playing eleven is far from guaranteed, while Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are locked in a tight contest for the additional all-rounder’s slot as India confront several selection dilemmas ahead of the first ODI against South Africa.

At the same time, broader needs of the white-ball season will also weigh heavy on India team management’s mind when they tackle the tricky selection questions.

Balance and conditions here will largely dictate the selection but with several seniors rested, the opening game of the series could offer a glimpse into the selectors’ medium-term planning.

The biggest talking point is whether both skipper KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant can fit into the XI if the latter is not assigned wicketkeeping duties.

Pant has faced a barrage of criticism for the manner in which he got out in the Guwahati Test but that is the brand of cricket that Pant has always played.

If Rahul, the designated captain, dons the gloves, that leaves the team think-tank with a tactical dilemma — can they afford to play Pant solely as a middle-order batter? Pant’s return to ODI cricket is strategically significant, as his left-handed presence lends balance to an otherwise right-heavy line-up.

With PTI Inputs.