Indian vice-captain KL Rahul is all set to return as the leader of the Virat Kohli-starrer side in the absence of all-format captain Rohit Sharma. Veteran Indian opener Rohit sustained an injury on his left thumb in the 2nd One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series between India and hosts Bangladesh. The Indian captain was also ruled out of the 3rd ODI with a thumb injury.
On Sunday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that skipper Rohit will not feature in the 1st Test against Bangladesh and India A captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was named his replacement in the Test squad for the red-ball series opener. The apex cricket board of India also confirmed that Rohit's deputy Rahul will lead Team India in the 1st Test against Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press conference in the build-up to the 1st Test match between India and Bangladesh on Monday, stand-in captain Rahul admitted that the visitors will miss the services of the veteran opener at Chattogram. “Rohit Sharma is a very important player for us and an experienced player and captain of our team so we will miss him. India will miss Rohit Sharma as a captain and batsman, we are hoping that he can recover quickly and will be back for the 2nd Test,” Rahul told reporters.
Rahul will lead India in the 1st Test while veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has been appointed as his deputy for the series opener against Bangladesh. Addressing the traditional press conference before the 1st Test of the two-match series, Indian opener Rahul also was also asked about Kohli's form in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
{{/usCountry}}Rahul will lead India in the 1st Test while veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has been appointed as his deputy for the series opener against Bangladesh. Addressing the traditional press conference before the 1st Test of the two-match series, Indian opener Rahul also was also asked about Kohli's form in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
{{/usCountry}}Former Indian skipper Kohli is heading to the Test series after ending his ODI century drought in Bangladesh on Sunday. "Virat Kohli's hundred against Bangladesh will give him confidence in the Test match. He has been around for so long he is such an experienced player," Rahul added. Rahul-led India will meet the hosts in the 1st Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday.