Skipper Virat Kohli out injured as India bat first in second Test against South Africa
KL Rahul steps in as captain after Kohli ruled out with back spasm
India won the toss and elected to bat in the second Test against South Africa at the Wanderers - but will be without captain Virat Kohli for the vital match.
KL Rahul stepped in for Kohli, with the visitors 1-0 up in the three-match series and looking for a first ever Test series win in South Africa. Rahul is the 34th player to captain India in Test cricket.
After winning the toss, Rahul said Kohli is out due to a back spasm and Hanuma Vihari comes into the playing XI.
“Virat has an upper-back spasm, the physios are on him and hopefully he’ll be back for the third Test,” he said. “It is every Indian player’s dream to captain his country. I am really honoured and looking forward to this challenge.
“We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we’ll look to continue that. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match.”