Opener KL Rahul is “gutted” at not being able to lead India on home soil after a last-minute groin injury ruled him out of the five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Rahul will miss the entire series, starting on Thursday, owing to a right groin injury that he sustained during training. “Hard to accept, but I begin another challenge today. Gutted not to be leading the side for the first time at home, but the boys have all my support from the sidelines.