KL Rahul ruled out of South Africa T20Is; new captain announced

In a big blow to the Indian Cricket Team, KL Rahul has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against South Africa. For the unversed, India are slated to play 5 T20 internationals against South Africa at home, starting 9^th June 2022.

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Earlier, KL Rahul was appointed as the captain of the series. However, a day before the first match, the 30-year-old suffered an injury, owing to which he won’t be participating in the series. Add to that, Kuldeep Yadav has also been ruled out of the series due to an injury. Reportedly, he suffered an injury to his right hand while batting in the nets on Tuesday.

The Indian selection committee is yet to announce replacements for both of these cricketers. In KL Rahul’s absence, Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain of the team, while Hardik Pandya will assume the vice-captaincy duties.

“Team India captain K. L. Rahul has been ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa owing to a right groin injury while Kuldeep Yadav will miss out in the T20I series after getting hit on his right hand while batting in the nets last evening,” the BCCI said in a statement.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant as captain and Hardik Pandya as vice-captain for the home series against South Africa.” The selection committee has not named replacements for Rahul and Kuldeep. Both the cricketers will now report to the NCA where the medical team will assess them further and decide on the future course of treatment.

Also, with KL Rahul not being a part of the side, Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to open the batting with Ishan Kishan. The first T20 international against South Africa is slated to play on 9^th June 2022, Thursday at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The series will conclude on 19^th June 2022.