Rahul steps up to lead India in Ranchi ODI clash
With regular skipper Shubman Gill sidelined due to an injury, the mantle of leadership has once again fallen on the shoulders of KL Rahul. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter is set to lead the Men in Blue in the highly anticipated three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting this Sunday in Ranchi.
Speaking to the press on the eve of the series opener, Rahul revealed the sudden nature of his appointment. He noted that the management informed him of the potential responsibility just a day before the official squad announcement. Despite the short notice, the Karnataka batter is far from daunted. Having previously led the national side across all three formats—including 12 ODIs—he expressed a keen desire to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it. For Rahul, captaincy is about making the right tactical calls and enjoying the pressure that comes with the "hot seat."
However, Rahul was quick to point out that he won’t be shouldering the burden alone. He emphasized the luxury of having a dressing room packed with seasoned veterans. With senior pros like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja in the mix, Rahul views the leadership dynamic as a collective effort. He explained that the team culture encourages everyone to think like a leader to achieve the ultimate goal—building a solid core for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While the focus remains on the white-ball contest, Rahul also took a moment to address the recent heavy defeat in the Test format, specifically his own dismissal against Simon Harmer. Critics had questioned whether he should have been more aggressive against the off-spinner. Rahul defended his defensive approach, stating that stepping out to hit a boundary during the dying moments of the day's play would have been reckless. He admitted that while the execution of the shot was flawed, his decision to defend was tactically correct for the situation.
Looking ahead, the stand-in skipper acknowledged a growing concern in Indian cricket: the team's recent struggles against spin bowling on home turf. He admitted that the batters need to find individual solutions and technical adjustments to counter turning tracks, especially with crucial series against Sri Lanka and Australia on the horizon.
As the action shifts to Ranchi, all eyes will be on how KL Rahul navigates his troops against a competitive South African unit.
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