The second Test between South Africa and India began with the news that India skipper Virat Kohli was out of the game due to a back spasm, and India would instead be led by his deputy, KL Rahul.
This was quite a moment for KL Rahul, who had recently been appointed as the skipper for the South Africa ODIs. The player had lost his place in the Test side in 2019 and made a comeback only last year in England. His returns in the longest format have been exceptional since and he has become India’s first-choice opener.
Now he has been given the opportunity to lead the India side in absence of Kohli, and usual vice-captain Rohit Sharma. His rise in the Test format drew a number of reactions.
There were those who pointed out this change in fate for Rahul.
If you are KL Rahul, you must think life is a roller-coaster…..
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2022
KL Rahul didn't play a single Test from August 2019 to August 2021.
Now, he's India's Test captain.
Incredible five months for him. #SAvIND
— Aadya Sharma (@Aadya_Wisden) January 3, 2022
Past 12 months have been tumultuous for #KLRahul. Same time last year, he couldn’t find a place in the Test. Today he is captain!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 3, 2022
Back up opener in England. Mayank gets jnjured. Becomes main opener. Man of the match at Lord's. White ball vice captain. Then white ball captain. Appointed red ball vice captain. Now becomes Test captain. KL Rahul has really had some crazy ride in the last 6 months. #KLRahul
— Nitin Naik (@toi_nitinnayak) January 3, 2022
The tour of England which turned it around for Rahul was also mentioned. He had scored 315 runs @ 39.37 in the Tests. Good starts at the top helped India on the way to a 2-1 lead in the Pataudi Trophy.
Cricket like life needs a bit of luck. @ShubmanGill injured ahead of English series, @Mayank23Agrawal unfit, @klrahul11 gets a chance,gets runs,a ton at Lords. 5 months later is captaining India!A young man with a cool head who will serve Indian cricket well for years! #INDvsSA
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 3, 2022
KL looks so good in that blazer and cap.
Good luck bud! Congratulations— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 3, 2022
in august, injuries to two opening batters opened the door for KL Rahul to return to Test cricket after a two year gap. Less than half a year later, he is stepping in as captain! #SAvIND
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 3, 2022
#ViratKohli missing Test is big setback for India. He may be below his best, but Kohli's absence will be huge psychological relief for SA. Greater onus on Rahul and particularly Pujara and Rahane to make best use of batting first.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 3, 2022
if someone told a year ago, that KL Rahul would captain India in Test – people would have laughed. Cricket is such a crazy game!! pic.twitter.com/Tf7bOld4Qu
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) January 3, 2022
Kohli’s absence and his injury were also discussed by some.
This is not the first time Virat Kohli has had a troubled back. What makes him tick is his ability to return from an injury smoothly. That's where extreme fitness comes into play.
As for the 100th Test now in Bangalore: BCCI & broadcasters will be laughing their way to the bank.
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) January 3, 2022
Regardless of current form Virat Kohli not playing is a huge boost for South Africa not just as a player but the aggressive leader!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 3, 2022
Was backing the same winning XI of Centurion to do the job in #Wanderers on unless the wicket is like it was in 2018. However, #Kohli missing the Test is a blow #SAvsIND #INDvsSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Hplakawlla
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 3, 2022
