India opener K L Rahul has been named vice-captain for the three-Test series against South Africa after Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the tour due to injury, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said yesterday.
The 29-year-old is returning to the Test side after missing the series win against New Zealand at home due to a muscle strain.
“The All-India Senior selection committee has named K L Rahul as vice-captain for the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. K L Rahul replaces Rohit Sharma as vice-captain, who was ruled out of the Test series owing to a hamstring injury,” the BCCI said in a statement. Virat Kohli-led India take on South Africa in the first Test at Centurion from Dec. 26.
In Capte Town, India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara yesterday said they are 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. India are fresh from home success against New Zealand, while South Africa have not played red ball cricket since June ahead of the first test that starts in Pretoria on Dec 26.
“We have played a couple of Tests in India, so most of the guys are in touch,” Pujara said yesterday. “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, which has led to success overseas in the recent past, gives them confidence they can match the home side on what are usually seamer-friendly wickets in South Africa.
“Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the sides overall when we have played abroad. If you look at the Australia and England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit. Our fast bowlers are our strength (in South Africa) and I hope they can utilise the conditions and give us 20 wickets in each Test match.”