The wait is over for fans of the Indian cricket team! Star batter Virat Kohli has officially arrived back home, landing in Mumbai on Tuesday, November 25, just in time to gear up for the highly anticipated three-match ODI series against South Africa . With the series kicking off this weekend, all eyes are on the team’s composition and the leadership under KL Rahul.
Table of Contents
- Kohli Returns for SA Battle
- Full India ODI Squad and Key Changes
- KL Rahul Steps Up as Captain
- Complete ODI Series Schedule and Venues
- What This Series Means for India’s Future
- Conclusion
- Sources
Kohli Returns for SA Battle
After a short break following the home series against Australia in October, Virat Kohli is back in action. His arrival in Mumbai was met with excitement from fans, who were quick to capture his cheerful demeanor as he interacted with them at the airport . Kohli’s presence is a massive boost for a team that is looking to solidify its middle-order ahead of a packed international calendar . His experience and sheer batting prowess will be crucial against a formidable South African pace attack.
Full India ODI Squad and Key Changes
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a well-balanced 15-member squad for the series. The most notable inclusion is that of the experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who makes a strong comeback to the ODI setup . His return adds much-needed balance with his left-arm spin and lower-order batting firepower.
In a corresponding move, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has been excluded from the squad . This tactical shift suggests the team management is prioritizing Jadeja’s fielding prowess and proven match-winning abilities in home conditions.
The full squad features a blend of youth and experience:
- Rohit Sharma
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Tilak Varma
- KL Rahul (Captain, Wicketkeeper)
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- Mohammed Siraj
- Shubman Gill (Unlikely to play due to injury)
KL Rahul Steps Up as Captain
With regular ODI skipper Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck injury, the leadership mantle has fallen to the dependable KL Rahul . Rahul, a seasoned campaigner with previous captaincy experience in the format, has scored 302 runs in 10 innings as captain and is known for his calm and composed leadership style .
This is a significant opportunity for Rahul to showcase his tactical acumen and lead a team packed with senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma. His ability to manage the dressing room and make smart on-field decisions will be a key storyline throughout the series .
Complete ODI Series Schedule and Venues
The three-match series will be played across three different venues in India, providing a diverse set of conditions for both teams to adapt to. Here’s the full schedule:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Sunday, November 30, 2025 | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi |
| 2nd ODI | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur |
| 3rd ODI | Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
What This Series Means for India’s Future
This ODI series is more than just a contest between two cricketing giants; it’s a crucial part of India’s long-term planning. With a massive 21 ODI matches scheduled from November 2025 to December 2026, including marquee series against England and Australia, every game is a chance to build a settled and formidable side .
The return of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, coupled with KL Rahul’s leadership, offers a perfect platform to test combinations and assess the team’s depth. For fans, it’s a chance to witness some of the game’s greatest talents in action on home soil.
Conclusion
The stage is set for an electrifying ODI series. With Virat Kohli back in the mix, KL Rahul at the helm, and Ravindra Jadeja adding balance, Team India looks well-equipped to take on the challenge from South Africa. The matches in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam are sure to be thrilling encounters that will have a significant bearing on both teams’ preparations for future ICC events. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable cricketing spectacle. For more updates on fixtures and player stats, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:fixtures] and [INTERNAL_LINK:players] sections.