India’s sensational opener KL Rahul continues to achieve new milestones in the longest format of the game. He was asked to lead the Test team in the ongoing second Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg in the absence of Virat Kohli, who was ruled out of the match because of a back spasm.
However, as the batter walked out to bat in Johannesburg he was seen playing without any sponsor sticker on his bat. Yes, you read that right.
No sponsor in the bat of KL Rahul. pic.twitter.com/BKufyVZzCf
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 3, 2022
In what is a rare sight with respect to an Indian Test captain, KL Rahul is batting without any sticker on his bat today. KL Rahul, who had signed a a sponsorship deal with Meerut-based illustrious manufacturer SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) and is often spotted with a sticker of SG on it, is playing without any sticker today.
Notably, Rahul’s batting gloves still have an ‘SG’ symbol on them. While no official update has come out so far, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that Rahul’s bat deal with SG must have ended. Hence, he is playing without a sponsor sticker on his bat in Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, after winning the toss, KL Rahul expressed his emotions on leading the Indian cricket team in the Test format. He said:
“It is every Indian player’s dream to captain his country. Really honored and looking forward to this challenge. “
Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been given the responsibility to lead the Indian cricket team in the upcoming 3-match ODI series as well, in the absence of ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, who has been ruled out because of an injury issue. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been named as KL Rahul’s deputy
India (Playing XI for 2nd Test):
KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
