"Disappointed to miss out on the SA series"- Kuldeep Yadav

Left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is disappointed to miss out on the 5-match T20I series against South Africa (SA) but has vowed to return strongly.

Team India suffered a body blow on the eve of the T20I series opener when it was revealed that Kuldeep and KL Rahul had been ruled out due to injuries.

Rahul has been ruled out due to a groin injury, while Kuldeep suffered a painful blow on his right hand while batting in the nets.

The BCCI released a statement on Wednesday (June 08) to confirm the development, stating that the duo will head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where medical experts advise the future course of action.

On Thursday, Kuldeep took to his official KOO account and wrote:

"Disappointed to miss out on the SA series due to an injury, but I am sure the boys will give their best on the pitch, and I am backing them all the way. Looking forward to coming back stronger."

The injury has come at the worst possible time for Kuldeep, who is on a comeback trail following a brilliant season with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

The series against SA was a golden opportunity for the Chinaman spinner to regain his place in India's first-choice playing XI.

Once an integral part of the Indian team in the white ball formats, Kuldeep endured a forgettable few years with batters seemingly having worked him out.

However, the talented spinner has made a few technical changes, the most prominent being the increase in his arm speed, and it fetched him great rewards during the recent IPL.

In 14 games, he claimed 21 wickets at an average of 19.95 to finish as the fifth leading wicket-taker of the season.

With the competition for places in the Indian team at an all-time high, Kuldeep will hope he recovers soon from his injury and get back to the playing field.