IND vs NZ 2021: We Will Miss KL Rahul But We Have Guys Who Can Fill That Slot – Ajinkya Rahane

Updated - 24 Nov 2021, 03:02 PM

Ajinkya Rahane. Image-Twitter

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Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane who will be leading the team in the first Test against New Zealand, has said that they will miss KL Rahul in the two-match Test series, but they have got players who can fill the opening slot.

KL Rahul has suffered a muscle strain on his left thigh, and Tuesday, it was reported that the in-form opening batsman wouldn’t be providing his services to the team in the New Zealand Test series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Suryakumar Yadav as his replacement in the team.

Breaking News: KL Rahul Injured And Ruled Out Of New Zealand Tests, BCCI Names Replacement

Also, it is being reported that the batters Mayank Agarwal and returning Shubman Gill will be opening the innings for India in the series in the absence of first-choice openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who has been rested by the Indian management.

It Is A Big Blow, Kl Rahul Is Not Available For These Two Test Matches – Ajinkya Rahane

India stand-in Test skipper Rahane said that Rahul getting injured is a big blow for the team as he was in terrific form in India’s last Test series against England. However, he added that they have got guys who have performed well for India in the past and can do the job, and he is not concerned about the opening slot.

“See, it is a big blow. KL Rahul is not available for these two Test matches, he did really well in England. He was in good form and played really well. Obviously, we will miss him but we have guys who can fill that slot, guys who did well for us in the past. Not too worried about the opening slot,” said Rahane while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference.

The Test series between India and New Zealand will begin from November 25 in Kanpur, and the second Test match of the series will be played from December 3 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Ajinkya Rahane Confirms Shreyas Iyer Will Make Test Debut vs New Zealand In 1st Test At Kanpur.

Although Rahane will be leading the side in the first Test match with his deputy Cheteshwar Pujara, in the second game, Virat Kohli will join the team, and he will take the charge. Also, it has been confirmed by the stand-in skipper Rahane that Shreyas Iyer will be batting in the middle order in place of Virat Kohli in the first Test match.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2021: Shreyas Iyer Picked Over Hanuma Vihari Because Management Wanted An Attacking Option In The Middle Order – Reports

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