IND vs SA: KL Rahul ruled out of the T20I series, Rishabh Pant to lead

KL Rahul, India's stand-in captain for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, has been ruled out due to a groin injury. The development takes place a day before the series opener in New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. However, in Rahul's absence, Rishabh Pant will be leading the team.

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Meanwhile, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is also out due to an injury that he copped to his right hand while batting Tuesday evening. Now, he will take no part in any of the five matches. In another interesting announcement, the BCCI named Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain for the series.

"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."

"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."

The BCCI tweeted

Rahul did not take part in India's practice session on either Tuesday or Wednesday. However, he did turn up for the first optional net session on Monday, where he batted mostly against spinners.

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Rahul looked impressive as he played against Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Axar Patel. He played the sweeps and the lofted strokes with ease and rather disdain. With Rahul out, Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to open the batting for India with Ishan Kishan.

The Selection Committee has not named any replacements

The Selection Committee has not named any replacements till now. Both Rahul and Kuldeep will head to the NCA where the medical team will assess them, monitor their fitness, and decide on the further course of treatment.