During the ‘Boxing Day’ Test match against South Africa, KL Rahul stated that he would not be opposed to stepping behind the stumps and that he would not be giving up the large gloves in ODIs anytime soon.
When the ‘Boxing Day’ Test against South Africa takes place in little over a week, KL Rahul has stated that he would not be opposed to stepping behind the stumps. He is not planning on discarding the huge gloves in ODIs anytime soon. Rinku Singh is expected to make his ODI debut after showcasing excellent technique, a stable temperament, and commendable game awareness in the T20 series. The stylish right-hander led the ODI team after regular skipper Rohit Sharma took a break from the white ball leg of the South Africa tour.
Rahul responded in the affirmative when asked if he will hold wickets during the ODI series that begins on Sunday. During the pre-series engagement, Rahul said to the media, “Yes, I will be keeping wickets and batting in the middle-order and after that I would be happy to keep wickets in Test matches.”
“I’ve always been willing to try new things and to play whatever part the team needs me to play. I’m willing to play that role if that’s how the management perceives me during Test matches.” Additionally, he made a suggestion that Sanju Samson is currently being considered as a possible No. 5 specialty hitter.
After having surgery to repair a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for most of 2023, the Bengaluru player is determined not to lose another chance.
“I want to represent my nation in as many games as I can. Due to injuries, I have missed a lot of games. I would like to make the most of my time, play as many games as possible, and fulfill whatever roles that are expected of me. Nothing will change about it.
“Team always comes first for me. As trite as it may sound, one of the first things imparted to us was that this is a team game. You must be adaptable, flexible, and changeable.”
“Rinku will get his chance”
When asked if Rinku, who has an average of over 50 (49.83) and a strike-rate of more than 93 from 55 List A games for UP and Central Zone, will receive his first ODI cap or not, the captain didn’t hold back.
Rahul answered, “Yeah, I think so,” when asked if Rinku would be better suited as No. 5 or No. 6 in an ODI lineup in the future.
“He has demonstrated his exceptional skill as a footballer. We all saw how talented he is from seeing him play in the IPL, but it’s encouraging to witness his temperament, game knowledge, and composure under duress in the T20 series. I found it quite refreshing to see on TV. Rahul said, “I recently talked to him about it too.
“In ODI format as well, he has performed across formats in first class cricket and so yes he will get his opportunity in ODI series.” While he was talking about opener B Sai Sudharsan, who is also expected to make his senior debut in this series, he was equally excited about another rookie batter and cautioned that not all rookies would get the chance to show off their abilities.
“Sai is a really fascinating man. The squad has a lot of new players; it would be challenging to give them all an opportunity, but many of them will. We need to ensure that they are in the proper state of mind and performing at the highest caliber possible. Nothing needs to be invented by them.
“Sai, I’ve also watched a couple IPL games. Seems like a great hitter who is ready for his chance and plays both pace and spin extremely effectively.”
“Schedule won’t allow every player to play every format”
In this era of non-stop cricket, Rahul is quite convinced that not every player will be accessible at all times, especially with multi-format series scheduled.
It does seem a little odd. That is, however, the nature of the game. When asked whether Shreyas Iyer would be released for preparation for the Test match following Sunday’s inaugural ODI, Rahul responded, “The schedule is such that not every player can be available for every format.”
“With the emphasis on the Test series and the increased responsibility of the coach (Rahul Dravid), we have the chance to step up to the plate and play our best cricket. For us, nothing changes. All of the men present are worthy of being called up to the national squad. The acting captain added, “I trust each of them because selectors have given them opportunities.”
“Template won’t change but tough to replicate Rohit, Virat”
ODI is the least important format now that the 50-over World Cup is finished, and Rahul acknowledged that while the standards they set during the international tournament would still be followed, rookies can’t expect to step in and perform like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Though we can’t expect a newbie to step in and take on the role that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did during the World Cup, I don’t think much will change in terms of how we want to play ODIs. There won’t be any pressure from me; it will be too soon, and you have to allow them time to acclimate.” However, in the grand scheme of things, it’s early days, the skipper stated.
“In terms of ODI cricket, I believe it is too early to consider the big picture. There isn’t much cricket left for the Indian team, therefore the attention has slightly switched to the T20 World Cup, which is quickly approaching,” he acknowledged.
“Test cricket will always be an important format for our country and having said that we are here as Indian cricket team to compete in ODI series, against really good South Africa team and focus will be on what’s in front of us.”
