IND vs SA | Hard to accept: KL Rahul gutted on being ruled out of SA T20Is due to injury

Star Indian opener KL Rahul posted an emotional tweet on Wednesday (June 08) after he got ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa.

Rahul, who was appointed skipper of the Indian team in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, was all set to lead the team for the first time on home soil in the forthcoming T20I rubber against the Proteas.

However, an untimely groin injury has now put paid to those plans. A visibly disappointed Rahul termed the setback as 'hard to accept' besides wishing good luck to Rishabh Pant, who will lead the team in his absence.

"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," wrote Rahul.

In addition to Rahul, left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also been ruled out of the series after he sustained an injury while batting in the nets.

Hardik Pandya has been named vice-captain, while the replacements for KL and Kuldeep haven't been announced.

The BCCI confirmed the development via an official statement on the eve of the T20I series opener in Delhi.

The statement read:

"Team India Captain KL Rahul has been ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa owing to a right groin injury while Kuldeep Yadav will miss out in the T20I series after getting hit on his right hand while batting in the nets last evening, "

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant as Captain and Hardik Pandya as vice-captain for the home series against South Africa. The selection committee has not named a replacement for KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav. Both the cricketers will now report to the NCA where the medical team will assess them further and decide on the future course of treatment," the statement added.

The absence of Rahul is a massive blow for India as the team is already without Rohit, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

The Men in Blue are on a 12-match winning streak, and if they manage to win the series opener on Thursday evening, then they will become the first side to claim 13 wins on the trot in this format.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant will be leading his country for the first time, and the 24-year-old will be hoping he spearheads India to a world-record win in front of his home fans.