Ruturaj Gaikwad or Yashasvi Jaiswal? Irfan Pathan reveals Shubman Gill’s replacement in ODI Playing XI vs SA

Following Shubman Gill's injury, Irfan Pathan weighed in on the ODI opener debate for the South Africa series, choosing between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gaikwad's Player of the Series performance in the India A series makes his claim strong against Jaiswal's explosive style.

24 Nov 2025 15:53 IST

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Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal would be the perfect replacement option for Shubman Gill in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Notably, the three-match series is scheduled to start on Sunday, November 30, with KL Rahul named as the stand-in captain in Gill’s absence. While Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been named in the ODI squad, Pathan asserted that he would love to see Jaiswal getting a chance ahead of Gaikwad.

“Shubman Gill is not there, and he has been India’s most important batter in recent years, especially in ODIs where his averages and performances have been outstanding. So the question now is: who will replace him? Yashasvi Jaiswal has a big opportunity here. Ruturaj Gaikwad has also returned, which is good to see because his performances for India A against South Africa were rewarded. His List A average is excellent. He too has an opportunity if he is picked, but I feel Yashasvi Jaiswal will get the first chance,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

“He is already in the team, he was in the squad earlier as well, and there has been a lot of discussion around him. In my opinion, if you have a right-hand/left-hand combination with the new ball, and if Yashasvi Jaiswal, a left-hander, settles into that role, it will be very good for India,” he added.

Furthermore, Pathan also noted that Jaiswal has the capability to hit a daddy century or a double century in the 50-over format. Interestingly, Jaiswal's only ODI came against England at home in February 2025.

“When the ball swings early on, this combination becomes important. Also, Jaiswal is the kind of batter who, if he gets set in ODIs, can score a double century or a big hundred. He has that ability and plays both pace and spin very well. So these three matches are a huge opportunity for Yashasvi Jaiswal. He has played only one ODI so far, and I believe this format could become his favourite going forward,” he concluded.

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