KL Rahul to be Virat Kohli’s deputy for Test series in South Africa: Report

Indian cricketer KL Rahul is all set to be skipper Virat Kohli’s deputy in the Test format for the South Africa series, as per a report. This development comes after him being assigned the vice-captain’s role in the Indian team for white-ball formats.

Rohit Sharma was promoted as India’s designated vice-captain, with Ajinkya Rahane being stripped of the responsibility ahead of the tour. However, an injury to Rohit saw him missing the Test assignment against the Proteas.

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ANI reported that Rahul will be fulfilling the role of vice-captain for the first time in Test cricket. Earlier, it was Rahane who had been working as Kohli’s deputy and was also leading the team on occasions where Kohli couldn’t be a part of the team.

“Yes, with Rohit missing, KL Rahul would be the vice-captain,” ANI reported sources as saying.

It was only ahead of the South Africa tour that Rohit was named the vice-captain of the Indian Team in the Test format. But, a hamstring injury put an end to his participation in the series.

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Earlier, in an official release, BCCI said, “Team India Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday.”

“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.

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The discussions over India’s vice-captaincy in Tests surfaced ever since the news of Rohit’s injury came to light. Other than Rahul, the names of Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah had also surfaced for the role. However, it seems like the team management is going with Rahul who has some captaincy experience under his belt.