Team India batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand with a muscle strain on his left thigh. The batsman from Karnataka was recently a part of the three-match T20I series against the Kiwi, which India won 3-0.
Rahul will now undergo rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy in preparation for the series against South Africa scheduled next month.
“Team India batsman Mr. KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand,” BCCI said in a statement.
NEWS – Suryakumar Yadav replaces KL Rahul in India's Test squad.
KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand.
More details here –https://t.co/ChXVhBSb6H #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/uZp21Ybajx
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 23, 2021
KL Rahul, who opened with Rohit Sharma, was in good form in England during the Test series. With Rohit rested for both the matches, India will have a new opening pair during Rahul Dravid’s first assignment as head coach in the longest format.
Suryakumar Yadav named KL Rahul’s replacement
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has been called up as KL Rahul’s replacement. The batsman from Mumbai was also a part of the England series; however, didn’t get any game time. The middle-order batsman, who had a humble outing in the T20Is will relish this opportunity and will hope to make it count.
“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Mr. Suryakumar Yadav as KL Rahul’s replacement,” the statement added.
KL Rahul was one of the notable absentees during India’s training session at the Green Park on Monday. Shubman Gill was seen opening the batting along with Mayank Agarwal during the team’s net session as Cheteshwar Pujara, the vice-captain for the series-opener also batted.
It is understood that one among Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar Yadav will make his Test debut and bat in the middle order.
The first Test between India and New Zealand will kick off on November 25 (Thursday) in Kanpur.
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