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Ind vs SA: The Indian team is dealing with injury concerns with a three-match ODI series coming up in a few days. India's ODI captain Shubman Gill is likely to be ruled out of the series after he picked up a neck injury during the Kolkata Test. Also, what is concerning is the fact that Gill's ODI deputy, Shreyas Iyer, may also be ruled out due to an injury. If both Gill and Iyer are ruled out - who becomes the stand-in skipper for the series? In KL Rahul and Axar Patel, India have two good options. 

Why Axar Over Rahul For ODI Captaincy?

Axar Patel has led Delhi Capitals in the IPL, KL Rahul has done the same. 

In fact, Rahul is more experienced as a leader of the national sides, having been the captain in Tests as well in the past. Despite Rahul's ability as a leader of the Indian team, he recently mentioned the burden he faced while leading teams. This remark made by Rahul could work against him. 

The teams for the white-ball leg against South Africa is expected to be announced soon. It would be very interesting to see the squad that is picked. A few new faces are certainly expected to feature in the ODI, T20I squads. 

The Rise of Axar

Over the past two seasons, Axar has done almost everything that has been asked of him by the team management. From batting up the order to counter-punching to being the main spinner in the side - he has excelled in most roles. He showed his real worth in India's Champions Trophy campaign earlier in the year where he almost took a hattrick in his very first over. It was also the first time in his career that Axar was playing a match for India in an ICC tournament in the ODI format.