Opener KL Rahul ruled out of the India vs New Zealand test series.
India vs New Zealand Test: Team India’s swashbuckling opener KL Rahul has been ruled out of the two matches test series against New Zealand, starting November 25. Rahul is learnt to have sustained a muscle strain in his left thigh owing to which he will have to miss the test series.
Following the development, the Indian cricket board roped in Suryakumar Yadav as a replacement for KL in the test squad.
India vs New Zealand test will begin on 25th November in Kanpur following which both the teams will head to Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium for the second test.
“Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand,” the BCCI statement read.
The statement further added the inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav in the side as his replacement.
“He will now undergo rehabilitation at NCA in preparation for the series against South Africa scheduled next month,” it added.
It is noteworthy that senior opener Rohit Sharma is on rest and KL Rahul has been ruled out of the entire series. Team India will now have to field a put up a different pair to open the innings.
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It is learnt that Mayank Agarwal, who missed his chances as an opener in England tour, will be paired in the opening slot with Shubman Gill.
Moreover, at the middle order for India, either Suryakumar Yadav or Shreyas Iyer are certain to make their debuts.
Ajinkya Rahane will be the stand-in skipper for the first test match as Virat Kohli is also on rest, however, he will join the Indian squad ahead of the second test match at Mumbai.
Several experts believe the absence of a couple of senior-most players will test India’s bench strength. Adding to the list of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, first-choice stumper batsman Rishabh Pant are also given game off.
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