India have named K.L/ Rahul as Virat Kohli's deputy for the forthcoming three-match Test series in South Africa, beginning on 26 December. The announcement came after Rohit Sharma, the original vice-captain, endured a hamstring injury during a practice session in Mumbai and was ruled out of the series. The board did not go back to Ajinkya Rahane for the role, presumably because of his uncertainty in the playing XI.
'The All-India Senior selection committee has named KL Rahul as vice-captain for the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. KL Rahul replaces Rohit Sharma as vice-captain, who was ruled out of the Test series owing to a hamstring injury,' the BCCI confirmed on Saturday.
Rahul has scored 2,321 runs at an average of 35.16 in 40 Tests. His latest century came against England at Lord's. He missed the two-match test series versus New Zealand due to an injury. In South Africa, he is likely to open the innings with Mayank Agarwal.