India-SA T20 Series: Rishabh Pant to lead after KL Rahul ruled out due to injury
On Wednesday, a day before the start of the T20 series against South Africa, the Indian team suffered two major setbacks. Team India captain KL Rahul and chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav will not be able to be a part of the entire series due to injury. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, named as the vice-captain for the series, has now been given the responsibility of the captain. At the same time, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been made the vice-captain.
The BCCI gave this information by issuing a statement on Wednesday evening. KL Rahul has an injury on the right side of the waist while Kuldeep Yadav injured his right hand while batting in the nets. Due to this, both the cricketers have had to be out of the series. The selection committee has named wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant as captain and Hardik Pandya as vice-captain for this home series against South Africa.
While Rishabh Pant took over the command of Delhi Capitals in IPL-2022, Hardik Pandya made Gujarat Titans champion under his captaincy. The selection committee has not included any player as replacement in place of KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav. Both the cricketers will now go to the NCA where the medical team will assess their injury and decide on the treatment.
This series is being seen as a preparation for the T20 World Cup. The first match of the series will be played from Thursday, June 9, at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, former skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for this series due to continuous play in the IPL. In such a situation, Rahul’s injury is definitely a matter of concern for the team.
