Team India opener KL Rahul is scheduled to become India’s Test vice-captain for the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa. He has been appointed after Rohit Sharma was ruled out owing to a left hamstring injury. Moreover, he was in sublime touch in England series where he amassed 315 runs in eight innings.
KL Rahul, who made his Test debut way back in 2014, has played 40 matches and amassed 2321 runs so far which came at an average of 35.16 with six tons and 12 fifties as well. However, the decision of assigning Rahul the deputy could mean that the BCCI is looking at him as the long-term skipper in the future as well.
Meanwhile, both KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are expected to open the Test innings for India as well in the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Rahul claimed that he thought he would never get to wear the whites again for India as well.
“Before 6-7 months or a year ago, I never thought of playing another Test for India. Things changed quickly and I am very happy and grateful for such a huge responsibility is given to me as vice-captain for this tour. I am looking forward to giving my best,” KL Rahul said in a video shared by the BCCI.
“I have bitter-sweet memories from Boxing Day. I debuted on a Boxing Day Test in Australia, but that did not go well. I lost my position again. I felt that’s the end for me. I think I have become more balanced in my approach to the game. I have changed a lot from how I used to play in 2014 when I made my debut and in 2018,” he again said.
On the other hand, another batsman Mayank Agarwal also pulled Rahul’s leg during the interview and asked him whether the responsibility in Team India comes with grey hair. And, Rahul too responded in a good way as he said that he has got “a few” after leading Punjab Kings in the cash-rich Indian Premier League as well.
“I’ve started getting a few.. but that’s from IPL captaincy and not the responsibility here. But I’m happy to get such a responsibility and it’s an honor to be the vice-captain of the Indian team. Anyone would take that and no one would worry about the grey hair,” said Rahul.
“Having Dravid with us this time is very helpful” – KL Rahul
Meanwhile, KL Rahul has also revealed his experience of working with the head coach Rahul Dravid, sharing that the legend has a lot of experiences to share which helps the team prepare for the upcoming series as well.
“Having Dravid with us this time is very helpful. He’s played a lot of cricket here and scored a lot of runs too. He’s got a lot of experiences to share and he’s helping us to prepare the best way we can. That’s a big boost for us. South African pitches have a spongy bounce.. especially here in Centurion.
You have got to be a lot more patient. We all know what kind of bowling attack South Africa have. It’s a country where you really enjoy batting once you get used to the pace and bounce. For openers, those first 30-35 overs with the new ball will be tested. We need to be patient and leave balls outside off stump, and know which balls to score against,” KL Rahul signed off.
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