India vs South Africa: Rishabh Pant elated to lead India after KL Rahul's injury

Rishabh Pant said Wednesday he will make the most of his unexpected chance to captain India after KL Rahul was ruled out to injury on the eve of the Twenty20 series against South Africa. Rahul was appointed captain of the team after all-format skipper Rohit Sharma and superstar Virat Kohli took a break when the Indian Premier League wrapped up, but he has now been sidelined by a groin injury. Pant, a wicketkeeper-batsman who leads Delhi Capitals in the IPL, will take charge in his place for the five-match series, which begins Thursday in New Delhi.

Read AlsoIndia vs South Africa: Injured KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav ruled out of the entire series, Rishabh Pant to captain Team India

Indian skipper KL Rahul was on Wednesday ruled out of the five-match T20 International series against South Africa owing to a right groin injury. Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who was named as Rahul's deputy, will lead the side.

"It's a great feeling, especially getting an opportunity like this in your hometown, (no) bigger opportunity than that and I will make the most of it," the 24-year-old told reporters. Pant added that his performance would be bolstered by the experience of leading Delhi. "It will help me a lot because when you keep on doing the same thing over a period of time you tend to improve," he said. "I am someone who keeps learning from my mistakes, and I think that's what is going to help me in the coming days." Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will also be absent after getting hit on his right hand while batting in the nets on Tuesday. Both he and Rahul will be sent to the National Cricket Academy for medical examination, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said. Hardik Pandya, who last month led Gujarat Titans to