Just when an in-form K. L. Rahul appeared all set to win back his place as a Test opener in a home series, a muscle strain in the right thigh has ruled him out for the two-match Test series against New Zealand.
The National selectors named Surya Kumar Yadav, who is yet to play a Test, as Rahul’s replacement. Rahul will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru, to be fit for the Tour of South Africa next month.
On Tuesday afternoon, when the Indian team opened its first net session at the Green Park Stadium here, the absence of Rahul was not missed. With Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal going through the batting drills on two of the three practice pitches, Rahul missing the first Test did appear a possibility.
Before long, the BCCI cleared all doubts following a statement that also mentioned the decision of the National selectors.
With Rahul out of the equation, Gill and Mayank could well form India’s new opening pair in the first Test beginning here on Thursday.
Rahul last played a Test in India against West Indies at Hyderabad in October 2018.
It may be recalled that, once before, Rahul missed the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2017 due to fever.
