The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricketing extravaganza; it’s a stage where leadership, strategy, and talent converge. As the cricketing world gears up for the IPL 2024 season, a reshuffle in leadership has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. In this article, we delve into the captaincy lineup for all 10 IPL teams, exploring the changes and the challenges that lie ahead.
A stalwart of the game, M.S. Dhoni will continue to lead the Chennai Super Kings, a team he has guided to five IPL titles. Known for his calm demeanor and astute captaincy, Dhoni remains a pivotal figure for CSK.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hardik Pandya
In a surprising move, the Mumbai Indians bid farewell to the Rohit Sharma era, announcing Hardik Pandya as the new captain. Pandya, a dynamic all-rounder, will be entrusted with leading one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – Faf du Plessis
With Virat Kohli stepping down from RCB’s captaincy after IPL 2022, the baton has been passed to Faf du Plessis. The experienced South African cricketer will bring his leadership skills to a team aiming for its maiden IPL title.
4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the captain of the newly formed Gujarat Titans. The young Indian batsman, known for his elegance at the crease, will lead GT in their quest for IPL glory.
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – KL Rahul
KL Rahul, the stylish and prolific batsman, will lead Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024. Rahul’s consistent run-scoring and captaincy stints in various T20 leagues make him a natural choice to spearhead LSG’s campaign in the upcoming season.
6. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Not Announced Yet
The captaincy for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 is yet to be announced. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the revelation of the leader who will guide DC through the challenges of the tournament.
7. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, known for his aggressive yet calculated batting, will continue to captain the Kolkata Knight Riders. Iyer’s leadership skills were on display in the last to last seasons, and KKR will look to build on that foundation.
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram, the South African all-rounder, has been entrusted with the leadership role for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Markram’s capabilities with both bat and ball make him a key figure in SRH’s plans.
9. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, a seasoned campaigner and an explosive opener, will lead the Punjab Kings. Dhawan’s experience at the international level brings a wealth of knowledge to the captaincy.
10. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson will continue to lead the Rajasthan Royals, aiming to bring success to a team that has showcased a penchant for nurturing young talent. Samson’s aggressive captaincy style adds flair to RR’s approach.
Rumors swirl around the IPL 2024 Trade Window as speculation points to a potential three-way trade involving opening batters from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Reports suggest talks for cash-only deals, with SRH aiming to free up funds ahead of the auction.
While the trade window is open until December 13th, the transactions may unfold soon, given SRH’s urgency. Initial gossip hinted at Mayank Agarwal moving to KKR, but the latest suggests he could be linked with LSG, potentially involving a trade with South African opener Quinton de Kock. KKR’s need for a wicketkeeper-batter fuels rumors of a trade talk with LSG for De Kock, possibly involving the transfer of Venkatesh Iyer or Suyash Sharma to SRH.
However, the practicality of these player swaps raises questions, especially considering LSG’s recent acquisition of Devdutt Padikkal. While De Kock might be tempting for LSG, uncertainties persist regarding their team composition.
The trade speculation is expected to continue even after the auction, given the trade window’s reopening after the event and the possibility of no mega auction next year. As of now, the KKR-SRH-LSG trade remains a speculative rumor, with clarity likely emerging closer to the auction date.
KL Rahul Stats and Records: Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, widely recognized as one of India’s premier cricket talents, was born on 18th April 1992. At the age of 31 years and 207 days, this right-handed batsman has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. With a notable presence in multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, including Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rahul has consistently showcased his prowess on the field. Notably, he abstains from bowling, adding to his reputation as a formidable batsman. Beyond the cricket pitch, on 23rd January 2023, Rahul embarked on a new innings in life by marrying his long-time partner, the renowned Indian actress Athiya Shetty. Their enduring love story, which spanned over three years, culminated in a union that captured the attention of fans and admirers alike. Athiya Shetty, the daughter of the esteemed actor Suniel Shetty, now stands as Rahul’s life partner, enriching his journey both on and off the field.
Table of Contents
Career Highlights
Debut: He made his international debut against Australia in 26 December 2014.
Format: Rahul’s proficiency across all cricket formats underscores his skill, showcasing a significant impact on the Indian cricket team. As one of the highest-paid players in the Indian Premier League, he serves as the current wicket-keeper for the national team.
Last Played: He last played his match against South Africa in World Cup 2023.
KL Rahul International Stats & Records World Cup 2023
KL Rahul Batting Stats in ODI, Test Matches and T20I
Innings:
214
Not Outs:
23
Aggregate:
7443
Highest Score:
199
Average:
38.97
50s:
51
100s:
15
Ducks:
14
4s:
707
6s:
172
Scoring Rate
77.01
With an impressive tally of 7443 runs from 214 innings, KL Rahul stands as a stalwart in the realm of cricket. His consistency is evident in the 38.97 batting average, accentuated by a remarkable highest score of 199. The right-handed batsman has notched up 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries, embodying his ability to convert starts into substantial scores. While his scoring rate of 77.01 showcases his agility at the crease, Rahul’s cricketing journey also bears witness to 23 unbeaten innings, underlining his resilience. Despite encountering the occasional setback with 14 ducks, his aggressive intent is reflected in 707 boundaries and 172 sixes, reaffirming KL Rahul’s standing as a dynamic and prolific batsman in the world of cricket.
KL Rahul Wicket-keeping Stats & Records 2023 (ODI, Test and T20I)
Catches:
40
Stumpings:
5
Most Catches in Innings:
3
Most Dismissals in Innings:
3
KL Rahul’s prowess extends beyond his batting, as reflected in his commendable wicketkeeping statistics. With 40 catches and 5 stumpings to his name, Rahul has proven to be a safe pair of hands behind the stumps for the Indian cricket team. His agility and alertness are underscored by his achievement of securing the most catches in an innings, a testament to his sharp wicketkeeping skills. Additionally, he has demonstrated his ability to impact the game with the gloves by achieving the distinction of the most dismissals in an innings, a feat that solidifies his role as a valuable asset in both facets of the game. Rahul’s adept wicketkeeping adds a multifaceted dimension to his cricketing repertoire, making him an indispensable presence for the team.
Rahul’s cricketing odyssey is adorned with a notable total of 15 centuries, comprising 7 in Test matches, 6 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 2 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
KL Rahul Total Half Centuries (ODI, Test, T20I)
Throughout his career, Rahul has accumulated a sum of 51 half-centuries, distributed as 13 in Test matches, 16 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 22 in T20 cricket.
KL Rahul Highest Score (ODI, Test, T20I)
Demonstrating his versatility as a cricketer across different formats, Rahul has attained notable high scores in international cricket, including a 199 in Test matches, an 112 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and an impressive unbeaten 110 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
KL Rahul ODI Stats & Records 2023
KL Rahul ODI Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
65
Not Outs:
13
Aggregate:
2536
Highest Score:
112
Average:
48.77
50s:
16
100s:
6
Ducks:
2
4s:
198
6s:
55
Scoring Rate
86.82
In the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs), KL Rahul has carved a distinguished path, amassing a total of 2536 runs in 65 innings with an impressive batting average of 48.77. His highest score of 112 reflects his ability to anchor the innings, contributing to the team’s success. With a scoring rate of 86.82, Rahul not only showcases his precision but also his ability to maintain a brisk pace. The right-handed batsman has accumulated 16 half-centuries and 6 centuries, underlining his consistency and knack for converting starts into substantial scores. Remarkably, he has encountered only two ducks in his ODI career, emphasizing his resilience at the crease. With 198 fours and 55 sixes to his name, Rahul’s aggressive yet calculated approach adds a dynamic flair to his ODI batting repertoire.
KL Rahul Test match Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
81
Not Outs:
2
Aggregate:
2642
Highest Score:
199
Average:
33.44
50s:
13
100s:
7
Ducks:
7
4s:
318
6s:
18
Scoring Rate
51.64
In the challenging arena of Test cricket, KL Rahul has demonstrated his resilience and batting prowess, accumulating 2642 runs in 81 innings at an average of 33.44. His highest score of 199 underscores his ability to navigate the complexities of the longer format, narrowly missing out on a double century. The right-handed batsman has notched up 13 half-centuries and an impressive count of 7 centuries, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and play significant innings for the team. Despite facing the occasional setback with 7 ducks, Rahul’s scoring rate of 51.64 reflects his ability to maintain a steady pace while accumulating runs. With 318 fours and 18 sixes, he combines both classical and aggressive elements in his Test match batting, contributing significantly to the Indian cricket team’s success in the traditional format.
KL Rahul T20I Stats & Records 2023
KL Rahul T20I Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
68
Not Outs:
8
Aggregate:
2265
Highest Score:
110*
Average:
37.75
50s:
22
100s:
2
Ducks:
5
4s:
191
6s:
99
Scoring Rate
139.13
In the dynamic realm of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), KL Rahul has emerged as a formidable force, amassing a total of 2265 runs in 68 innings with an impressive average of 37.75. His unbeaten highest score of 110 reflects his ability to unleash controlled aggression in the shortest format of the game. With 22 half-centuries and two centuries to his name, Rahul has consistently played impactful innings, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Despite encountering five ducks, his scoring rate of 139.13 stands out, emphasizing his ability to score briskly and entertain the audience. The right-handed batsman has showcased his versatility with 191 fours and a striking 99 sixes, epitomizing his flair for innovative stroke play and his crucial role in shaping India’s success in T20I cricket.
KL Rahul IPL Stats 2023
KL Rahul IPL Stats Batting: Total Runs, 50s, 100s, Average, Strike Rate and Highest Score
Innings:
109
Not Outs:
20
Aggregate:
4163
Highest Score:
132*
Average:
46.78
50s:
33
100s:
4
Ducks:
4
4s:
355
6s:
168
Scoring Rate
134.42
In the electrifying world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), KL Rahul has established himself as a dominant force, amassing an impressive 4163 runs in 109 innings with a stellar average of 46.78. His highest score of 132 not out exemplifies his ability to anchor an innings and finish strongly. Boasting 33 half-centuries and four centuries, Rahul consistently delivers impactful performances in the T20 extravaganza, playing a pivotal role in the success of his franchise. While encountering only four ducks, his remarkable scoring rate of 134.42 underscores his ability to accelerate the run rate with finesse. The right-handed batsman has entertained cricket enthusiasts with 355 fours and a whopping 168 sixes, showcasing a blend of classical strokes and power-hitting that cements his position as one of the IPL’s premier batter.
In the high-stakes arena of World Cup cricket, KL Rahul has left an indelible mark, featuring in 16 innings and amassing a formidable total of 606 runs with an impressive average of 50.50. His highest score of 111 reflects his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches. Having opened the batting in seven instances, Rahul has embraced the responsibility at the top order with finesse. With three half-centuries and a century to his credit, he has been a key contributor to the team’s success in the tournament. Despite facing the occasional setback with one duck, Rahul’s average scoring rate of 78.40 showcases his ability to maintain a brisk pace. His performances on the world stage underscore his reliability and adaptability in navigating the challenges of international cricket’s pinnacle event.
Disclaimer: Please note that the statistics presented on Cricreads have been sourced from various reputable websites, includingWikipedia, Howstat, and others. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for cricket enthusiasts and fans.
Hardik Pandya is being groomed as the prospective captain for Team India in white ball format of the game. Currently, Rohit Sharma is leading the team in ICC ODI World Cup 2023 with great strength as India has remained unbeaten to qualify for the semi-final in World Cup.
It was reported earlier this year that Hardik Pandya would replace Rohit Sharma as the white ball captain irrespective of the result in World Cup 2023. BCCI wants to create a future roadmap for India with a new captain at the front in the white ball format.
However, Hardik Pandya is injury prone and is always at the risk of getting injured. He is ruled out of the ongoing World Cup due to an injury. It has left a huge hole in the Indian Team. He is already the captain of Indian Cricket Team in T20I format. But it seems that he will have to relinquish the captaincy pretty soon.
KL Rahul has emerged as one of the biggest prospects for captaincy in ODIs and T20Is for India. BCCI is seriously considering to make Rahul as the captain as Pandya is highly prone to injuries.
The question of who should occupy the pivotal No. 4 batting position in the Indian cricket team has been a subject of debate for quite some time. While several players have been tried and tested, none have cemented their place in this crucial spot. However, with KL Rahul’s impressive comeback and consistent performance, it seems that India may have found the solution to this long-standing dilemma.
KL Rahul has been in spectacular form since making his comeback during the Asia Cup 2023, following a thigh injury. He marked his return with a century against Pakistan during the Super 4s match of the Asia Cup. Rahul’s exceptional performance has not only solidified his place in the team but has also potentially resolved India’s No. 4 batting conundrum just in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Former India all-rounder and Player of the Tournament in the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj Singh, has weighed in on India’s No. 4 issue. He expressed his opinion that India’s team management should stick with KL Rahul for this crucial batting position. Yuvraj Singh has been highly impressed with Rahul’s comeback and his batting performances, particularly in the No. 4 position.
Yuvraj Singh, who himself has batted at No. 4 for India on numerous occasions, believes that KL Rahul’s consistency and adaptability make him the ideal candidate for this role. He stated, “India wants KL Rahul to bat at No. 4 now. They have to give him 15-20 games in that position.” Yuvraj Singh’s endorsement is based on Rahul’s century during the Asia Cup, which demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his adaptability on a spinning track against Sri Lanka.
The No. 4 batting position is crucial, especially when the openers are dismissed early. According to Yuvraj Singh, a No. 4 batsman needs to possess the technique to leave the ball, handle the short ball effectively, and build partnerships. KL Rahul, with his rich experience and ability to adapt, fits this description perfectly.
KL Rahul’s versatility also works in his favor. He can comfortably slot into various positions in the middle order or the top order, depending on the team’s needs. Yuvraj Singh emphasized the importance of experience in a marquee event like the World Cup, suggesting that less-experienced players may not be reliable in such high-pressure situations.
However, the competition for batting slots in the Indian team is fierce, with Shreyas Iyer also performing exceptionally well. The final decision regarding Rahul’s position will depend on the team management’s strategy and the team’s specific requirements for the World Cup.
KL Rahul’s exceptional form, adaptability, and experience make him a strong contender for the No. 4 batting position in India’s lineup for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. His consistent performances and ability to handle challenging situations give India’s team management a reliable option for this crucial role as they aim to conquer the world of ODI cricket once again.
India will be up against Australia for the second time in the 3-match series on Sunday. India won the first game of the series by 5 wickets and is currently leading the series by 1-0. In the second match of the series, India will be squaring off against Australia at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on the 24th of September.
Australia batted first in the first ODI and piled up 276 on the board. David Warner added 52 runs. Mohammad Shami picked up 5 wickets for India. In reply, India chased down the total with 5 wickets in hand. Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 74 runs and 71 runs respectively. KL Rahul added an unbeaten 58.
The live telecast of the India vs Australia match will be on the Sports18 Channels and the live stream of the India vs Australia match will be on Jio Cinema app. KL Rahul will lead India, while Pat Cummins will lead Australia in the second ODI match. This article highlights the top three batters who should be picked in your IND vs AUS fantasy prediction team.
IND vs AUS 2023 2nd ODI: India vs Australia Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match
1) Shubman Gill | IND
Shubman Gill has been scoring runs consistently since Asia Cup and has been the one to score most runs in the series so far. He scored 74 runs in the first match against Australia. Therefore, he is a must-have batter pick for today’s IND vs AUS fantasy team.
2) David Warner | AUS
David Warner is a top choice pick to consider for this match, he will be hoping for a healthy contribution here as well just like the first match where he struck 52 runs with the bat. Therefore, he is a must-have batter pick for today’s IND vs AUS fantasy team.
3) KL Rahul | IND
KL Rahul will be another fine player to have on the fantasy side for this game. He added 58 with the bat in the first ODI. Plus his wicket-keeping skills will add to the fantasy points he brings. Therefore, he must find a place in your fantasy side for today’s IND vs AUS match.
KL Rahul, who initially missed the league stage of the Asia Cup 2023 due to injury, returned to international cricket with a stellar performance. He played in all matches from the Super 4 stage against Pakistan to the final, demonstrating his fitness and form. Gavaskar, in a conversation with India Today, discussed Rahul’s fitness and his impressive display throughout the tournament.
Despite injury concerns, the selectors included KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in both the Asia Cup and World Cup squads. Rahul was sidelined for the first two games due to a minor injury but worked on his fitness at the NCA (National Cricket Academy). He made a comeback in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup against Pakistan where he smashed an unbeaten century.
Rahul’s comeback was marked by a century in the Super 4 game against Pakistan, where he not only played a long innings but also showcased his fitness through running between the wickets and keeping wickets for a significant portion of the match. Gavaskar emphasized that Rahul’s century against Pakistan was a clear testament to his fitness.
“It was very, very good to see him fit. We all knew what his quality is. He has proven it over such a long time. The only question mark would have been about his fitness, and in that century knock against Pakistan, he showed his fitness because it was not just a question of playing a long innings but also running between the wickets. And who are you running with? Probably the fastest runner in the game between 22 yards, Virat Kohli. He did that so well. And later on, he came and kept wickets for a major part. That 100 percent proves his fitness,” Gavaskar stated after India’s victory.
Gavaskar emphasized that Rahul should maintain the same attitude and self-belief in the upcoming World Cup. With his fitness now established, Rahul is expected to play a pivotal role at number five in India’s batting lineup. “The most important thing was the self-belief he showed in that particular century. Often, I have always said… I have said about him way back in 2016 or 17 that he is going to be the next big thing in Indian cricket. If he hasn’t, he himself has to be blamed because I don’t think he actually realizes how good a player he is.”
Gavaskar further highlighted the substantial contribution Rahul, along with Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, provides to the middle-order, making the Indian team even stronger. “He now gives so much bulk to the middle-order. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya are absolutely unbelievable. This is turning out to be a very, very good Indian team,” Gavaskar concluded.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be the 16th edition of this tournament. It will be hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly. A total of 6 teams including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Nepal will be participating in the tournament.
From six teams at the start of Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have managed to reach the Super Fours. In the sixth Super Four match of the tournament, India will be squaring off against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka on the 15th of September.
Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya are among the vital players from the Indian team. Najmul Shanto, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman are among the key players from the Bangladeshi team.
The live telecast of the India vs Bangladesh match will be on the Star Sports Network and the live stream of the India vs Bangladesh match will be on Disney+ Hotstar. Rohit Sharma will lead India, while Shakib Al Hasan will lead Sri Lanka in the twelfth match of Asia Cup 2023.
India is currently placed at the top position on the points table of the Super 4 whereas Bangladesh is now placed at the bottom position on the points table. This article highlights the top three batters who should be picked in your IND vs BAN fantasy prediction team.
Asia Cup 2023: India vs Bangladesh Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match
1) KL Rahul | IND
KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 111 runs against Pakistan and scored 39 crucial runs against Sri Lanka. He has hammered 150 runs in the tournament. Plus his wicket-keeping skills will add to the fantasy points he brings. Therefore, he is a must-have batter pick for today’s IND vs BAN fantasy team.
2) Virat Kohli | IND
Virat Kohli is coming off a very sensational knock against Pakistan, where he slammed his 47th ODI century and already displayed the kind of form he has been in recent times. He can be a fantastic batter pick for your fantasy team and is also expected to perform well in today’s IND vs IND match.
3) Rohit Sharma | IND
Rohit Sharma has been a formidable force in the top order, accumulating an impressive 194 runs in this tournament. He would be looking forward to keeping up his form in this game as well, he must find a place in your fantasy side for today’s IND vs BAN match.
Former opener and renowned commentator, Gautam Gambhir, has declared that KL Rahul’s remarkable comeback to international cricket has solidified his role as India’s No.4 wicketkeeper-batter for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Gambhir’s assertion follows Rahul’s outstanding century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four clash, marking a triumphant return after a lengthy injury-induced hiatus.
Rahul had been sidelined from the game since May due to an injury sustained during the Indian Premier League. However, his determination and dedicated recovery paid off, enabling him to make a sensational return to the Indian team. In the pivotal match against Pakistan, Rahul’s century played a crucial role in India’s victory over their arch-rivals.
Gautam Gambhir commented on the situation, stating, “I think the team management has made it very clear that it’s going to be KL Rahul who would be keeping in the World Cup because there was Ishan Kishan, and if Kishan was in the scheme of things to play on the 11th against Australia, then he would have kept wickets for India because he was the main wicket-keeper. But now, in the last two games, KL Rahul has kept wicket.”
While discussing India’s batting order, Gambhir noted some remaining uncertainties, particularly concerning the No.5 position. Several options are under consideration, including the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer, positioning Suryakumar Yadav at seven and Hardik Pandya at five, or placing Ravindra Jadeja in the fifth slot. However, Gambhir underscored the significance of supporting KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batsman at number four.
“So, the number five position is now open. Whether Shreyas Iyer comes into it, whether they play Suryakumar at seven and Hardik at five, or Jadeja at five, now KL Rahul has secured that number four spot as a wicketkeeper-batsman. So, it is pretty much clear, which is good for Indian cricket that they have backed KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper now and who’s batting at number four,” added Gambhir.
KL Rahul, the renowned Indian batter, has shed light on his wicketkeeping abilities, particularly during his recovery from injury. He revealed that he diligently practiced wicketkeeping during his rehabilitation sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Speaking at a post-match press conference following the match against Sri Lanka, KL Rahul acknowledged that he had been away from cricket for an extended period but expressed satisfaction with his return to the Indian cricket team.
The 31-year-old, who serves as a wicketkeeper and batter, conveyed his trust in the training sessions he underwent at the NCA over the past three or four months. KL Rahul also exhibited confidence in his wicketkeeping skills after recovering from a thigh injury.
While admitting to initial nervousness, KL Rahul emphasized that he quickly regained his composure once he began facing deliveries. He added that he focused on determining which shots were feasible to play and executed them accordingly.
“It has been some time since I played some cricket, and so far, it has been good. I trusted my preparation for the last three or four months and was confident I could do the job. I was nervous initially, but once I faced a few balls, it was back to normal. After the first few balls, I tried to figure out the shots I could play and did not want to go into a shell. I wanted to defend and diffuse the pressure at the same time. I still wanted to play my shots, but according to the nature of the pitch,” said KL Rahul.
Regarding his wicketkeeping, KL Rahul noted that he has been performing this role for a while now, particularly after Rishabh Pant sustained a concussion in 2019. He mentioned that the team management had assigned him the role of wicketkeeping and playing in the middle order. During his time at the NCA, while recovering from injury, he had the opportunity to work on his wicketkeeping skills.
“Before the injury, I was wicket-keeping. It has been quite a while since I have been keeping. Since Rishabh Pant got concussed in 2019, I have donned the gloves. So, it is not something new. The team management had also told me that my role would be to keep and play in the middle order. When I was in NCA during recovery, I got a bit of time, and I worked on my wicketkeeping,” he added.
