A new Indian brigade under KL Rahul will begin their journey in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa on January 19 in Paarl. Rahul will shoulder the leadership duties with newly-appointed captain Rohit Sharma ruled out due to an injury.
Rohit sustained a hamstring injury and has been nursing it at the National Cricket Academy. KL Rahul, who led India in the second Test in Johannesburg, speaking ahead of the series said that the game gave him a lot of learnings and will only get better from here.
The 29-year-old also added that seeing MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli operate from close quarters will come in handy for him. Addressing the press on the eve of the game, he said:
“I think I take every game as it comes. I am not really someone who gets worried or gets too happy. I stay balanced with the results, there were a lot of learnings from the Johannesburg Test.”
“I have learned a lot from both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, I am human, I will make mistakes along the way but I will learn and get better. That’s where my mind is at. The ODI series is a fresh start and it is a great opportunity for me to lead the side,” KL Rahul further said.
Ashwin, Chahal really important for us – KL Rahul
The talismanic batsman has confirmed that he will open the innings in the 1st ODI. While he didn’t divulge more about the playing XI, KL Rahul hinted that Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal might start for the side in Paarl.
“We have quality spinners, Ashwin has come back into the team and we know what quality he brings. Chahal has been doing well, hence they become really important for us,” he said.
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