'Gutted' - KL Rahul reacts after being ruled out of the South Africa T20Is

In what may be called a disappointing piece of news for the Indian team, KL Rahul was ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa, a day before the first game was scheduled to begin. Rahul was gutted about missing out on the big opportunity of leading the Men in Blue for the first time at home. The star batter also believes, he is up for another challenge, as he aims to come back stronger after recovering.

Rahul, who was appointed as the captain of the side, suffered a groin injury and had to leave the Indian camp, to make his way to the NCA in Bengaluru. In his absence, the baton has been passed over to India’s stylish wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who will be leading the side in all the five T20Is, with Hardik Pandya being appointed as his deputy.

Rahul shared a heartfelt message on his Twitter handle after the news broke. “Hard to accept but I begin another challenge today. Gutted not to be leading the side for the first time at home, but the boys have all my support from the sidelines. Heartfelt thanks to all for your support. Wishing Rishabh and the boys all the luck for the series. See you soon” he wrote.

KL Rahul had sustained a hamstring injury earlier this year

Meanwhile, Rahul will be joined by spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has also been ruled out of the entire series, after hurting his right hand while batting in the nets session. The two will head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to undergo the recovery and treatment process, to get back to the game soon.

Meanwhile, Rahul’s tryst with injuries has been going on for quite some time now. Before the start of the IPL 2022, he missed out on the West Indies series owing to a hamstring injury, and as a result, he could not be a part of the subsequent Sri Lanka series as well. He would be hoping to cope with the current injury as soon as possible, to be a part of the England tour for the rescheduled fifth Test, followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs.