Indian player KL Rahul spoke about keeping wickets in Tests during the upcoming series against South Africa. He said that he would be happy to take on that role and that he is always open to do whatever the team management and the captain ask of him.

KL Rahul’s growth as a wicket-keeper batsman has been nothing short of exceptional. As an opener, he has become one of the best middle-order batsmen in the world. This was quite evident during the recently concluded meeting ICC World Cup 2023.

While his class with the bat was never questioned, what impressed many was his ability to hold the bat. KL Rahul showed great skills behind the stumps, diving all over the place, taking good shots and much more. His superb work behind the stumps was one of the main reasons for India’s success.

Impressed by his keeping skills, the BCCI named him one of the team’s wicketkeepers for the Test series against South Africa. This is something KL Rahul has not done in his career, sticking to the longer format. However, with the kind of success he has had as a batsman in Tests and a logjam in the top order, it will not be a surprise if he keeps the wicket and bats in the middle order in the upcoming Tests against the Proteas.

KL Rahul said he is not sure if he will keep wickets in all three formats, but he is open to taking up that role. He added that he is currently focused on the ODI series and also mentioned that he wants to play as many games as possible for the country. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

“I don’t know all the formats, right now my focus is on this ODI series. Yes, I will play the same role. I will be guarding ground and batting in the middle order. After that, yes, I would be happy to take on that role even in Test matches. I have always been open to taking on new roles and accepting any role the team wants me to play. So I am happy to do what the management, the coach and the captain ask me to do.

“If that’s the role the team sees me in, I’m happy to do it. Yes, of course, I want to play for the country, I want to play as many games as I can. Unfortunately, I have missed a lot of cricket due to injuries. So yes, I would like to make the most of my time and play as many games as I can, whatever the role.”

IND vs SA: You have to be flexible, adapt and do your best for the team – KL Rahul

KL Rahul highlighted that cricket being a team sport, it is necessary to understand that no position can be defined. He stressed that as part of the team, he must be flexible and do his best for the team, something he has done over the years. He elaborated:

“Whatever is expected of me, I have done throughout my career so far, I don’t think that is going to change, whatever is expected of me. For me the team always comes first. When we started playing, one of the first things we were taught was that it’s a team game.

“It’s a cliché phrase, but as you play more you understand that no position is yours. But as you play more, you understand that when it comes to a team game no position is yours. You have to be able to do what the team requires. “You have to be flexible, adapt and do your best for the team.”

KL Rahul will captain the Indian team in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The series between the teams will begin on October 17.