Indian test team Captain, Virat Kohli could not play in the second test match in a 3-match series against South Africa which is being played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. In his spot, KL Rahul led the Indian team, as the vice-captain was appointed in the absence of Rohit Sharma whom was hurt and was unable to participate in this particular series.
Virat Kohli was the captain of Indian squad to an renowned Test victory in the first match played at Centurion’s Supersport Park in Centurion, which India defeated by 113 runs, putting them one-up during the match. Kohli’s long run with no hundreds and low scores remained during the opening Test match , as Kohli scored just 38 and 17 runs during the two innings played in Centurion.
KL Rahul Reveals Why Virat Kohli could not play
The commentators were enquiring about the reason Virat Kohli was not in the right place for the toss, and instead KL Rahul made his way in the middle of the field together with South African captain Dean Elgar to take the toss. KL Rahul was the winner of the toss, and decided to bat first. The first question he was asked was regarding Virat Kohli, and the reasons why the charismatic captain and star batter was not in the playing XI.
KL Rahul has been quoted as as saying: “Unfortunately Virat has been suffering from a back spasm in the upper part of his back and I hope he’ll be able to recover in time for his coming Test.”
“It is the every Indian player’s dream to be captain of his nation. We are extremely grateful and looking to take on this new challenge. We’ve had some positive results here, and hopefully we can continue to do that. Hanuma Vihari is in place of VIrat. One change. It was a great test at Centurion all-around. We performed really very well as a team, and we are very excited about this game,” he said.
Virat Kohli was scheduled to be playing his 100 100 Test in the 3rd game of this series at Cape Town and now with his absence from this Johannesburg Test, it’s likely to be that the hundred 100 Test game will be in the presence by the crowd at home as India takes on Sri Lanka for a two-Test series between February and March.
Additionally, South African Test Team Captain, Dean Elgar also made two modifications in his playing XI. Kyle Verreynne replacing Quinton de Kock and Duanne Olivier making the South Africa return in place of Wiaan Mulder.