IND vs ZIM LIVE: Earmarked as a calm leader, KL Rahul has brushed off comparisons to MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as he leads the Indian team on the tour of Zimbabwe. Rahul, who has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months, returns to captain the side in the three ODIs in Harare starting on Thursday. Follow India vs Zimbabwe LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
IND vs ZIM LIVE: KL Rahul brushes off comparisons to MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, says ‘I don’t think anyone should be put in the same bracket’
KL Rahul is hoping to make a stunning comeback to international cricket after a frustrating 12 months muddled with injury. The 30-year-old was a late inclusion on the tour of Zimbabwe, having returned to full fitness after surgery and COVID-19. Sepaking on his leadership, the Indian captain said that he has learnt a lot from current captain Rohit Sharma and former captain MS Dhoni and does not want to be compared to them in any way.
“What they have done for the country, their numbers are far greater. I do not think anyone should be put into same bracket as them. When you play together for years, you tend to pick up the good qualities of your teammates. This is what I have done too. I am a calm person, I do not want to go out and be something that I am not. I try to be myself so that others can be themselves and express themselves,” he added.
IND vs ZIM LIVE: KL Rahul brushes off comparisons to MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, says ‘I don’t think anyone should be put in the same bracket’
Despite being through an injury hell, Rahul was promptly drafted into the side with team management showing a lot of faith in the stylish batter. The 30-year-old said that he feels much more confident due to the support from the coaching staff and feels more comfortable in the current team environment.
“It is important for any player that selectors, captain and coach back you so much. You feel confident. You are able to focus on what is important, your mindset is clear and you can focus on your game and skill. If someone is backing you, it becomes easy for a player. Players thrive when they are given a comfortable environment with confidence. One can go from being good to great as a player,” he said.
IND vs ZIM LIVE: KL Rahul brushes off comparisons to MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, says ‘I don’t think anyone should be put in the same bracket’
Rahul lauded Zimbabwe for their recent form. The hosts had recently captured ODI and T20I series by 2-1 against Bangladesh.
“We have looked through their team. For us, it is about focusing on our strengths and try enjoying our cricket. It does not matter who we are playing, we just want to give our best,” he added.
Rahul said it will be a challenge to manage players and bring out their best.
“Everyone is at different stages of their career. Few are coming back, some are playing a lot. How do you manage their mindset, nervousness is a challenge. All have played so much cricket and they know exactly what they need to do. They have belief in their abilities. Deepak, Kuldeep and I were together at NCA. They have prepared well and I know it. They have a clear idea of what they need to do. For me, it is about managing and giving them comfort,” he said.
IND vs ZIM LIVE: KL Rahul brushes off comparisons to MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, says ‘I don’t think anyone should be put in the same bracket’
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