In 2022, KL Rahul made his debut as the Test captain of the Indian cricket team in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa. It was a historic moment for Rahul, who had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. In this article, we will take a closer look at the untold story behind Rahul’s Test captaincy debut and the factors that led to his selection for the role.
Background:
Before we delve into the details of Rahul’s Test captaincy debut, let’s take a look at his career so far. KL Rahul is a top-order batsman who has been a regular member of the Indian cricket team since 2014. He made his Test debut in 2015 and has since become a vital cog in India’s batting lineup. Rahul is known for his solid technique, impeccable timing, and ability to score runs in all formats of the game.
The Buildup to the Johannesburg Test:
In the lead-up to the Johannesburg Test, India had suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test of the series against South Africa. During that game, Virat Kohli, India’s regular Test captain, had been suffering from back stiffness. During the Johannesburg Test, Kohli informed Rahul that he might not be able to play due to back pain. KL Rahul was not sure that he would get a chance to captain. Because Virat Kohli usually used to play ignoring minor injuries.
The Indian selectors announced that KL Rahul would lead the team in the second Test.
The Untold Story From KL Rahul:
KL Rahul said in an interview, “On the morning of the match, Virat Kohli told me in the team bus that I was feeling stiffness in my back. Might not play in the Johannesburg Test. But as much as I knew Virat, he rarely misses the match due to minor injuries. That’s why I was not thinking about the captaincy. But after the warm-up, the coach told me that Virat’s injury is not good. He will not play the Johannesburg Test. You put on the blazer and reach for the toss. I didn’t even have a blazer then. I wore Virat’s blazer and immediately reached for the toss.
Rahul’s captaincy debut
Virat Kohli was instrumental in pushing for Rahul’s appointment as captain. Kohli had been impressed by Rahul’s leadership skills during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believed that he had the potential to be a successful Test captain.
Rahul’s captaincy received praise from his teammates and cricket experts for his calm and composed demeanor on the field. It was also noted that he made some astute fielding changes and bowling substitutions that helped India to win.
Under Rahul’s captaincy, India put up a commendable performance, winning the match by 8 wickets. Rahul himself played a crucial role in the victory, scoring a brilliant century in the first innings.
Overall, it was a promising start to Rahul’s Test captaincy career, and Indian cricket fans will be hoping that he can continue to lead the team to success in the future.
Who should get the Test captaincy in Team India KL Rahul Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma please comment
