KL Rahul named India vice-captain for South Africa Tests

Opener KL Rahul has been named as the India vice-captain for the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa. Earlier, the BCCI had stripped Ajinkya Rahane from the role and handed over the reins to Rohit Sharma, who was also named the ODI captain. However, days before the team's departure, Rohit got injured and was ruled out of the test series.

The board didn't want to go back to Rahane as his place is not certain in the team, and named KL Rahul as Virat Kohli's deputy.

“Yes, with Rohit missing, KL Rahul would be the vice-captain,” the source said. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday confirmed that Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the three-match Test series against South Africa due to a hamstring issue.

“Team India Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday,” the BCCI stated in an official release. “He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. Priyank Panchal will replace Rohit Sharma in the Test squad,” it added.

Meanwhile, Priyank Panchal was named as Rohit's replacement in the team. The tour kicks off on December 26 in Centurion before the teams move to Johannesburg for the second Test from January 3. The final test will be played in Cape Town from January 11. Along with Rohit, the team will also be without the services of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shubman Gill, who too are struggling with injuries.