KL Rahul opens up about the absence of Virat Kohli

Just before the start of the second Test, India were dealt a blow as their skipper in the longest format of the sport, Virat Kohli was ruled out of the contest with a back spasm.

Though further details were not shared, yet stand-in skipper, KL Rahul opened up briefly about Kohli’s injury and his own opportunity to lead the national side.

Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first as India stepped foot in the Wanderers with the hope of pulling off the unthinkable. There was just one change to the Indian team as they brought in one of the heroes of the Sydney Test last Test, Hanuma Vihari in place of an injured Virat Kohli.

South Africa were forced to deal a changing hand as Quinton de Kock stepped down from the longest format of the sport at the end of the first Test. Kyle Verreynne was handed over the gloves while a fit Duanne Olivier replaced Wiann Mulder.

Rahul said, “Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm. The physios are on him, hopefully, he'll recover for the next Test. It's always every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Today I've got this opportunity, so really grateful and looking forward to the challenge. We've had a few good wins here and want to continue to do that."

South African skipper, Dean Elgar said that the absence of Kohli wasn’t a spot of bother for him. However, losing Quinton de Kock was a big blow to the aspirations of the hosts given his ability to belt out a few masterclasses towards the lower half, especially after an unforgettable match-up against the Indian fast bowling quartet.