IND vs NZ LIVE: KL Rahul addresses media- India vice-captain KL Rahul on Monday said that the young Team India brigade is excited to play under Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid but the focus is now playing the 1st t20I and taking one game at a time. Rohit Sharma’s deputy spoke about India’s new chapter under a new captain and learning opportunity under head coach Rahul Dravid whose job starts with the India vs New Zealand series. Follow India vs New Zealand LIVE updates on InsideSport
IND vs NZ LIVE: Ahead of Jaipur T20I, KL Rahul says great opportunity to learn from Rahul Dravid- Follow LIVE updates
IND vs NZ LIVE: Rahul Dravid- He also spoke about the impact of Rahul Dravid and his previous experience of working under him. He said that Dravid creates an environment where everyone is comfortable and called him a ‘team man’.
“Look, I have been fortunate to know him for a very long time. As a youngster, I did try to pick his brain. He was very helpful to all of us back home in Karnataka. He has helped boys across the country, having him here with us as a part of that setup will give us an opportunity to learn,” KL Rahul stated further.
“We all know how big a name Rahul Dravid is, we have a great opportunity to learn from him and get better as cricketers. When it comes to coaching, I have played a couple of games with India A setup, he is somebody who has a great understanding of the game and creates an atmosphere where everybody is comfortable. He has always been a team man,” he added.
IND vs NZ LIVE: Vice-captaincy role- Speaking about the vice-captaincy role, KL Rahul said he is looking forward to the challenge. He said that he would like to create an atmosphere where people can express their true nature.
“I think it’s a collective effort whatever happens in a team’s sport like cricket. Everybody should be clear about their roles. All the players in the team, have been together for a very long time, we get along really well. It will be fun to go out and play,” he said.
“Yes, there will be an added responsibility but it is something I have enjoyed doing, the most important thing would be to create an atmosphere in the dressing room where people coming in feel happy and welcome and they go out there and express themselves. Rahul Dravid comes in as well, really looking forward to the next two weeks with the new coaching staff,” Rahul told the reporters.
IND vs NZ LIVE: Rohit Sharma- Rahul also praised batter Rohit Sharma and said that his tactics and understanding of a game are really commendable.
“There is no new thing is Rohit’s captaincy. We have been seeing him leading the Mumbai Indians for a long time now and his stats are so great. He has a good understanding of the game and his tactic is really good. We all enjoy watching Rohit bat. He is a great guy to be around and all of us are excited about the New Zealand series,” said Rahul.
IND vs NZ LIVE: KL Rahul remains silent about Hardik Pandya
When asked whether Hardik Pandya was given any reason for his exclusion from the T20I squad, Rahul said: “Quite honestly, I mean I do not know if that has happened. He knows exactly what he needs to do and what is expected out of him. He is smart enough to understand that.”
India Squad for New Zealand Series: Unfit Hardik Pandya dumped
He also spoke about India’s preparation and template for the next year’s T20 World Cup and how Men in Blue can getter in the best way possible.
He said that the long-term focus of his side will be the next World Cup but every series from this point is equally point.
“The long-term goal is to focus on the World Cup but we will focus on the process and every series from now on is important. We will try to see what combinations are perfect for us and can be used for the world cup but right now we will be focusing on one series at a time,” said Rahul.
IND vs NZ LIVE: Ahead of Jaipur T20I, KL Rahul says great opportunity to learn from Rahul Dravid- Follow LIVE updates
- KL Rahul has been named vice-captain of India vs New Zealand T20Is.
- He is likely to address a host of questions in the built-up of the first T20 International and might give cues on India’s likely playing XI.
- Rahul Dravid will be India’s head coach while Rohit Sharma takes charge from Virat Kohli.
- India will look for a fresh start with less than a year left for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
- Second-ranked India will be looking to trump England to become the top-ranked T20I side against mentally drained Kiwis after T20 World Cup final loss.
- The Men in Blue will play three T20Is and a couple of Tests against Kane Williamson’s blackcaps.
- Officials say that early dew likely to minimise toss advantage in first T20I in Jaipur
New Zealand tour of India Squad
India’s T20I squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohd. Siraj
IND vs NZ LIVE: Ahead of Jaipur T20I, KL Rahul says great opportunity to learn from Rahul Dravid- Follow LIVE updates
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