XtraTime Web Desk – The vice-captain of the Indian cricket team for the Australian tour will have a lot of responsibility in the Australian summer. KL not only eyeing to excel with the bat but wants to contribute as a wicket-keeper as well. “It helps the the team combination a little more and it’s something I would love to do”. KL also expressed his will to represent India in the next 3 World Cups. He said, “if the opportunity presents itself and I can keep in three World Cups, I would love to do it for my country”.
After performing brilliantly for team India and in IPL, KL will have a bit of pressure as Rohit Sharma will not be available for most of the series and Virat Kohli won’t be available for the last 3 tests. However, he doesn’t have a specific batting position in the team. About his batting position in the upcoming series, KL said, “My batting position will depend on the format I am playing and what the team wants from me and what combination sits better. The last ODI we played, I batted at number 5 and kept the wickets. So yeah, it is a role I enjoyed and I’m happy to play whatever role the team gives me”.
Speaking about his irregularities in getting a opportunity, KL said, “Look, I haven’t played a lot of 50-over cricket for a continued period of time though I have been a part of the Indian team for few years now, I haven’t got a continuous run in the 50-over format like this, it feels good I’m contributing for the team”.
KL Rahul is in a dream run in the white ball.
After Virat Kohli, KL is now the Mr. Dependable for team India. Speaking about his form in the IPL, KL said, “I mean I did get a little bit of feeler with the IPL, I had to play similar roles there as well, it was challenging and it was new, but I got used to that role and I started enjoying it. Hopefully, I will continue the same here, Virat will always be there for the boys and that will make my job a little easier. It is a very proud moment, and hopefully, I can keep on putting similar performances”.
The 28 year old further added, “Look, I learnt to stay in the moment in the IPL, when I am wicket-keeping for those last 3-4 seconds when the bowler is running in, I learnt to switch on and not focus on the leadership part. It will be important for me going forward, it is important to start well in the white-ball leg, Australia is a country where we have enjoyed competing”.
Speaking about Wicket-keeping and the former Indian captain MS Dhoni, KL said, “Look, obviously nobody can fill the place of MS Dhoni, he has shown the way to the wicket-keeper batsman on how to do the role perfectly, I think I will probably go and give the spinners the feedback regarding what length can be bowled on different wickets. Wicket-keepers have this responsibility, and I have done this job in one series in New Zealand, so hopefully, I can do the same going ahead”.
India will be hosting the t20 World Cup on 2021 and the 50 over World Cup in 2023 while Australia will be hosting the t20 World Cup in 2022. Thus, this will be the ideal time for team India to prepare themselves for the business ahead. KL Rahul said, “Nothing has been told to me, we as a team are not thinking that far ahead, World Cups are important, that is the long vision for every team but I think for me, we are still taking it one game at a time, and if I keep putting consistent performances as a keeper and batsman, it gives us the choice of playing an extra batter or bowler. If I can keep in the coming three World Cups, I would love to do it for my country”.
The current series against Australia will start from 27th of November as India takes on Australia for the first ODI at Sydney.