‘Quite Keen to Take That Role’: Rohit Sharma Banking on 'Wicketkeeper' KL Rahul

Team India will take on South Africa in two Tests on the Proteas’ home soil, with the opening Test scheduled to get underway on boxing day.

The Test against the Proteas is the final part of a multi-format tour of South Africa, in which the men in blue managed to tie the T20I series, before clinching the ODI series 2-1.

KL Rahul, captained the ODI unit that sealed the series in stunning fashion with a win at the Wanderers and Boland Park, either side of a loss at the St George’s Oval.

Ahead of the opening Test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who did not feature in the T20Is and the ODIs lavished praise on teammate KL Rahul and the qualities he adds to the team going into Johannesburg.

“There are hardly a few players who have just stuck to one position and played throughout their career in that position and KL is one of them,” the Indian skipper said.

“I believe and feel that the way he kept in the World Cup was quite pleasing. And he’s been working hard and he is quite keen to take up that role as well.”

Rohit went on to add that having the luxury of Rahul playing in the middle orders was something he looks forward to considering his solidity in the role.

“So it gives us an option to play a solid batter at 5, 6, 7, whatever that position may be. He’s got an experience, to play in these conditions. He came here about 100 last time. Although he opened the innings there, this time around he’ll be in the middle order. But I, even I think the position that he’s batting, in limited overs, ODI cricket, we’ve seen that he does most of the things right,” Rohit continued.

Rohit went on to praise the Karnataka-born player’s understanding of the game and how he plays a balancing role in the middle of the order.

“He bats really well, and he understands the game really well. And obviously he is an experienced player. So, he knows exactly what is required at different stages of the game. And that gives us a solid balance there with an experienced player coming in the middle, which is good.”

Rohit also shared that the 31-year-old player is looking forward to take over wicketkeeping duties against the Proteas in the upcoming game against the hosts.

“But I’m not sure how long he wants to keep, but as of now, he’s quite keen to take that role,” Rohit concluded.