Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons KL Rahul’s absence is a major setback for Team India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa. Rahul was ruled out of the T20I series as his right groin injury resurfaced. The flamboyant batter had also missed the series against West Indies and Sri Lanka due to the same injury.
The BCCI selection committee has decided not to name any replacement for KL Rahul and also for Kuldeep Yadav, who has been ruled out. Rahul was in fine form in the Indian Premier League while leading Lucknow Super Giants and thus it is a big blow for the team.
KL Rahul was the second-highest run-getter of IPL 2022 as he amassed 616 runs in 15 matches at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.38 while leading Lucknow Super Giants.
Former Indian domestic giant Wasim Jaffer picked South Africa as favorites as Rahul has been ruled out due to an injury.
Wasim Jaffer said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “If you have to look at both sides, I think SA start as favorites now that KL Rahul is not there. Even though Kuldeep Yadav has got injured, I had my doubts about whether Kuldeep would have played in the first XI in the 1st T20I. But KL Rahul’s absence is a major setback for India. South Africa will start as favorites because they have probably brought their best team. They have a potent bowling attack, and their spinners are quite good.”
On the other hand, former South African gun fast bowler Dale Steyn believes it is going to be a tight series between these two teams. Steyn added Indian players were playing consistently in the IPL and it will help them.
“It’s a close one. All the Indians have been playing cricket. They have been playing in the IPL. It’s always good to have some game time under your belt. There are some key positions where South Africa have been playing. Opening the batting with Quinton de Kock, he’s been playing. (Aiden) Markram and Rassie (van der Dussen) have been playing. David Miller at 5-6 has been doing really well, and then (Kagiso) Rabada and (Anrich) Nortje at the backend. It’s going to be a tight series.”
The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday.
