K.L. Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and will miss India’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting 25 November in Kanpur. He will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy to prepare himself for the South Africa series, scheduled next month. India have added Suryakumar Yadav to the squad in Rahul’s place.
In Rahul’s absence, Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal are expected to open for India. Gill was set to bat at No. 4 in Kohli’s absence in the first Test, but now, one of Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar will get a place for that place.
‘The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Suryakumar Yadav as KL Rahul's replacement,’ BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed in a statement.
Suryakumar was added to India's Test squad that had toured England earlier this year, but yet to make his debut in this format.
India squad for New Zealand Tests: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cheteshwar Pujara (vc), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), K.S. Bharat (wk), Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna. Virat Kohli to join squad for second Test and captain the side.