Murali Vijay ruled out of second Test with thumb injury

After all the euphoria surrounding their win in the first Test, India will go into the second Test at Jamaica on Saturday without one of its most consistent performers. Vijay, who injured his right thumb when he was dismissed by Shannon Gabriel in the first innings at Antigua, failed to take the field after the injury and was ruled out of the second Test on Friday. Skipper Virat Kohli confirmed the news to the reporters in a pre-match media conference.

Unfortunately, Vijay has to miss out because of injury. (It's) not good for him. He's someone who has always done well for the team, always takes pride in playing for the country. He was not really happy with getting hit in the first innings, (but it) is not in his control."

"Unfortunately, Vijay has to miss out because of injury. (It's) not good for him. He's someone who has always done well for the team, always takes pride in playing for the country. He was not really happy with getting hit in the first innings, (but it) is not in his control,” Kohli said.

Also, read: Virat Kohli | The 5-year long journey from Jamaica to Antigua

KL Rahul, who scored back-to-back fifties in the two practice matches, will replace Vijay in the line-up and Kohli exuded confidence in his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate's ability.

"Well, (Rahul has) been in a very good zone," Kohli said. "He scored runs in the practice games, he scored in Zimbabwe, we all know that. He had a great IPL season. I think that was the turnaround for confidence as far as he's concerned. Last year, he had a good tour to Sri Lanka, got a hundred there. Again, didn't play against South Africa.

He's (KL Rahul) all in all, he's a great package for the team and it's great to see that he's going to get a Test match."

"It's more a case of a guy waiting for an opportunity. You can see that with him. You can sense it. He wants to play. He's batting really well; he wants to make it count. He wants to get big runs. I'm confident of his abilities. He's pretty compact, he's a solid opener and he's a great fielder as well. Gives you that wicket keeping option as well, in case something happens to Saha.

"He's (KL Rahul) all in all, he's a great package for the team and it's great to see that he's going to get a Test match,” said the Indian captain.

The second Test between India and West Indies will begin on Saturday (July 30) at Jamaica.

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