Team India cricketer KL Rahul has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, which starts on June 9 in Delhi. He suffered a right groin injury which will keep him out of the entire series.
Just 24 hours before the series opener in Delhi, it came to light that KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav will miss the rubber due to injuries. The BCCI issued a statement saying that the duo will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further assessment and treatment by the medical team.
Team India Captain KL 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.@Paytm #INDvSA
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 8, 2022
The right-handed batter, who was set to lead the Men in Blue, took to Twitter to put out a statement. KL Rahul has expressed his disappointment at not being able to play in the upcoming five-game T20I series.
“Hard to accept but I begin another challenge today. Gutted not to be leading the side for the first time at home, but the boys have all my support from the sidelines.Heartfelt thanks to all for your support.Wishing Rishabh and the boys all the luck for the series.See you soon,” he wrote on Twitter.
Hard to accept but I begin another challenge today. Gutted not to be leading the side for the first time at home, but the boys have all my support from the sidelines.Heartfelt thanks to all for your support.Wishing Rishabh and the boys all the luck for the series.See you soon🏏💙
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) June 8, 2022
Rishabh Pant to lead India in place of injured KL Rahul
The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who was initially named the vice-captain, has been tipped to take over the leadership duties for the upcoming five T20Is. All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who recently guided Gujarat Titans (GT) to the IPL 2022 title in their maiden season has been named as his deputy.
The southpaw vowed to give his 100 per cent in the role and said he felt privileged to lead on his home ground. Addressing reporters on the eve of the game, Rishabh Pant said:
“It is a great feeling to get an opportunity like this in my hometown. I will try to make the most of it and give my 100 per cent. It feels good to be appointed as captain. It did not come under good circumstances but at the same time, I am happy.”
He added:
“I would like to thank BCCI for giving me this opportunity to lead the Indian side. I will try to make the most of it.”
This will be the first time Rishabh Pant will lead India in international cricket. He has earlier captained the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.