KL Rahul appointed as the Captain for the ODI Series

Star batter KL Rahul is set to lead the Indian team in the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe after getting a clearance from the BCCI medical team. Seasoned opener Shikhar Dhawan will be his deputy.

The batter was initially left out of the India squad for the series after aggravating his hamstring injury, which could have also hampered his T20 World Cup chances. It was reported that Rahul was unable to recover despite undergoing a successful sports hernia surgery.

Shikhar Dhawan was earlier announced as the captain in Rahul's absence. The right-handed batter also missed the West Indies assignment after contracting Covid-19.

"The BCCI Medical Team has assessed KL Rahul and cleared him to play in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has appointed him the captain of the side and named Shikhar Dhawan as his deputy," a BCCI statement read.

Rahul's addition takes the Indian squad strength to 16, as he hasn't replaced any player from the initial 15-member contingent.

Rahul had issued a statement on his social media account that he was working towards returning to full fitness. He has since been named in India’s Asia Cup squad for later this month.