Indian leader Rohit Sharma believes wholeheartedly in KL Rahul. He thinks Rahul will aptly fill the dual role of wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket. This faith comes as the visitors prepare enthusiastically for the much-awaited Test series against South Africa.
Rohit is nearly certain that Rahul will serve as wicketkeeper in Centurion’s first Test. He commended Rahul’s impressive performance during the 2023 World Cup.
On the eve of the first Test against South Africa, Rohit Sharma commented about the skills that KL Rahul brings as a wicketkeeper-batter:
“Every cricketer has to go through some kind of transformation or a different role in their career. There are hardly few players who have stuck to one position and have played throughout their careers at that position. So KL is one of them I believe I felt that the way he kept in the World Cup was quite pleasing. He himself is quite keen to take up that role as well. So it gives us an option to play a solid batter at 5-6-7 whatever that position may be.”
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma further added:
“He got a hundred the last time we came here. Although he opened the innings at that time, this time he will be in the middle order. The position he has been batting in limited-overs in one-day cricket, we have seen that he does most of the things right and understands the game really well. He knows exactly what is required at different stages of the game. It gives us a solid balance with an experienced player in the middle. I am not sure how long he wants to keep (smiles) but as of now he is quite keen to take that role.”
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s tips for batters to succeed in SA’s challenging Conditions
While Rohit Sharma admitted that the seam movement and varying bounce in South African conditions may make batting tough, he also provided light on how Indian hitters should adapt and capitalize on any run-scoring chance.
In response, he stated:
“If you ask batters, they like to bat in conditions where the ball comes onto the bat. Although there’s bounce and seam movement in these conditions, if you apply yourself well and understand what shots will give you runs, how their bowlers bowl, and if you apply that in your game plan then you can score runs. Some of our batters showed last time that runs can be scored here.”
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma further added:
“We also know that even if you’re batting on 70-80 or even a hundred, you’re never set because the ball keeps moving. I think those who have played here have shared their experience to those who haven’t played here. So there has been communication between the two groups. It’s just abut knowing what your strengths are and look to score runs. If you just look to survive here, it is difficult. You need to try and cash in on the loose balls.”
Rohit Sharma
Indeed, India’s bowlers hold the potential to catapult the team towards their maiden Test series victory in South Africa. It may largely rest on the batters’ shoulders to kick start the game with big first innings scores.