India’s stand-in skipper KL Rahul on Tuesday confirmed that he will open the batting for India in absence of regular opener Rohit Sharma. (More Cricket News)
Hitman is currently recovering from a hamstring injury he had picked up ahead of India’s tour of South Africa. The newly-appointed white-ball skipper of India is expected to make a return in the home series against West Indies.
"Yes, in the last 14-15 months, I have batted at number four-five, at different positions and you know that is what the team needed from me. Now, with Rohit not being here, I would bat at the top of the order," said stand-in India skipper KL Rahul in a virtual press conference on the eve of first ODI against South Africa.
Meanwhile, Rahul also pointed out that all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s absence would give Venkatesth Iyer a “great opportunity” to play and prove himself in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting January 19.
"Yes, Venkatesh Iyer has been very exciting since he has played for KKR and done really well there and he joined us for the T20I series against New Zealand. He did really well there, fast-bowling all-rounders are always an asset. We are always looking for fast-bowling all-rounders. They balance the team out really well. It is a great opportunity for him to do well in South Africa."
In the ongoing tour, Rahul had led India in the second Test in Johannesburg as Kohli had pulled out of the game due to back spasm.
Talking about his upcoming captaincy task, Rahul 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."
