KL Rahul will be India’s stand-in Test vice-captain in South Africa. He replaces Rohit Sharma as Virat Kohli’s deputy after the Mumbai opener had been ruled out of the three-Test series with a hamstring injury.
Rahul, 29, has played 40 Tests scoring 2321 runs at an average of 35.16, including six centuries.
After struggling to make it to the Test side for nearly two years, Rahul made most of the opportunity in England this August. He made a solid 84 in the opening Test in Nottingham and followed it up with a hundred at Lord’s.
Rahul missed the home Test series against New Zealand recently with an injury.
Pujara upbeat
Cheteshwar Pujara said the team is confident of claiming a historic first Test series win in South Africa, led by their potent fast bowling attack on the lively Highveld wickets where the first two of three Tests will be played.
The first Test kicks off on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
“We have played a couple of Tests in India, so most of the guys are in touch,” Pujara said on Saturday. “There is enough time for us to prepare and the guys are really looking forward to these Tests. It is the best chance for us to finally win a series in South Africa.”
Pujara believes the growing influence of India’s fast bowling attack gives them confidence they can match the home side on what are usually seamer-friendly wickets in
