T20I series vs South Africa: Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav ruled out, Rishabh Pant to lead

NEW DELHI: KL Rahul, India's captain for the T20I series against South Africa and left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav on Wednesday were ruled out of the five-match series on the eve of the opening match here due to injuries to right groin and right hand respectively.

Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, who was named as Rahul's deputy for the series, will now lead India in his absence while Hardik Pandya, who captained Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 title, has been named his deputy.

It means that Pant, 24, will lead India for the very first time at his home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium, on Thursday.

"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," said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in an official statement. IANS

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