Why is KL Rahul not playing in today’s 2nd T20I between India and South Africa?

KL Rahul not playing in today’s 2nd T20I: India haven’t included their opening batsman in the playing XI for the second T20I.

During the second T20I of the ongoing South Africa’s tour of India in Mohali, India haven’t included opening batsman Lokesh Rahul in their playing XI. Rahul was part of the last T20I which India play during their tour of West Indies last month.

Opening the batting with Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul had scored 20 (18) with the help of two fours and a six before getting out in the fifth over.

The development means that India will take the field with their superstar ODI opening combination of Dhawan and vice-captain Rohit Sharma.

KL Rahul not playing in today’s 2nd T20I

It was India captain Virat Kohli who announced during the toss that Rahul isn’t part of the Playing XI for this match. While Kohli didn’t reveal the reason behind the same, one feels the team management has preferred Dhawan over Rahul in the much talked about conundrum.

“We are gonna bowl first. Looks like a fresh wicket. The surface is a bit dry. Any kind of dew in the second half on this ground, it’s very difficult to defend. It’s a great chasing ground and hence we’re fielding first.

“It’s a typical Mohali pitch – nice, hard surface. Pretty okay covering of grass, that’s been the case with Mohali over the years. In this ground as many as you score, one good phase and the game can get away from you.

“This ground has given me and the team great memories and tonight is another great opportunity to get a good game under our belt. We have been trying out a few youngsters in the last series as well. KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Khaleel Ahmed and Rahul Chahar miss out. Rest are playing,” Kohli was quoted as saying during the toss.

As far as the visitors are concerned, captain Quinton de Kock announced that they have included three debutants in spinner Bjorn Fortuin, fast bowler Anrich Nortje and batsman Temba Bavuma.