SA vs Ind, 2nd Test: Visitors Opt To Bat, Kohli Out Due To Back Spasm

Mumbai: Minutes before the toss, there is news that India skipper Virat Kohli will not play and KL Rahul will lead the side in Johannesburg in the second Test on Monday.

After the victory in Centurion, it is going to be a big setback for the team. India won the toss and Rahul decided to bat and that was on the cards.

Kohli is out due to a back spasm and that is the reason why Rahul is leading. Rahul is excited to lead the country, believe it is like a dream come true. As per Rahul’s confirmation, Hanuma Vihari will replace Kohli.

“Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm and hopefully he’ll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player’s dream to captain his country. Really honored and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully, we’ll look to continue that. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match,” Rahul said at the toss.

Rahul has led teams in the past but leading India will be a different ball game altogether. Rahul will be crucial at the top of the order, pointing to history for India.

India (Playing XI): KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi

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