IND vs SA | KL Rahul ruled out of series, one day before his T20I debut as captain

In a shocking turn of events, what could be one of the most significant setbacks for the Men in Blue in the upcoming series against South Africa starting tomorrow, stand-in skipper KL Rahul has been ruled out of the series due to a right groin injury. 

He is not the only casualty as spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also been ruled out from the series after suffering a blow to his right hand during the nets.

According to a BCCI source, Rahul has been ruled out of the series, which will see deputy vice-captain Rishabh Pant lead the team against the Proteas.

This is a significant setback for KL Rahul as this was his opportunity to redeem his loss against South Africa from last year. However, this could be an opportunity for Rishabh Pant, who now has a chance to throw his hat on the much-debated captaincy role for the Men in Blue. 

Hardik Pandya who was exceptional in leading Gujarat in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League will now, support Pant as his deputy.

India have already rested the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the series, and the absence of Rahul from the squad could leave a gaping hole in the batting order with Suryakumar Yadav already being ruled out of the series due to his injury.

However, this could be an opportunity for Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad as they will be expected to open for the national side against the Proteas.

The young guns now have a chance to prove their calibre against a formidable South African side led by Temba Bavuma starting 9 June (Thursday) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.