As India gear up for the first Test of the upcoming series against England scheduled at the Headingley in Leeds, KL Rahul has admitted that it feels "strange" to be part of a national team without Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in the dressing room. As both these stalwarts have called time on their Test careers, the series marks the beginning of a new era, one that Rahul is still adjusting to.
For Rahul, who made his Test debut back in 2014, the presence of either Kohli or Rohit has been a constant throughout his international career. He is now one of the senior-most members in the side, and finds himself part of a transition phase he had never envisioned arriving this soon.
KL Rahul is now reflecting on just how much things have changed. What once seemed unthinkable is now reality. An Indian Test XI will take the field without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
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"It’s Time for the Rest of Us to Step Up" - KL Rahul on India’s Test Transition After Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's Retirements
Speaking to his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) in the lead-up to the series opener, Rahul opened up on what it means to not have the two legends around anymore in the Indian dressing room.
"Virat and Rohit have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the last decade or so, and not having them around will be a huge miss. In my whole career so far, I have never walked into a team where there is no Virat or Rohit. The 50-odd Test matches that I have played, either Virat or Rohit or both of them have been there," Rahul said as quoted.
With Virat and Rohit now retired, the team needs new voices, new leaders. Rahul understands that senior players like him now have to take more responsibility and step up.
"To walk into that dressing room feels a bit strange. But of course, you have to respect their decision. They have given absolutely everything for the country and they will remain legends of Indian cricket. But it’s time for the rest of us to step up," he added.
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A Tough Test Awaits in England
Rahul shared that he began preparing for the England series immediately after the IPL ended. There was little time to switch formats, but he made sure to sit down with his coach and plan his approach.
"I started with my preparations for the England series right after the IPL. I spoke to my coach as well to get prepared for this assignment. It's always a challenge coming to England as they are a pretty good side, especially when they play at home. It's going to be a challenge for all of us as we are a comparatively young team," Rahul stated.
Rahul would know replacing Kohli and Rohit is no simple task. It is a challenge but also a moment of opportunity.
When he takes the guard in Leeds, he would know more than anyone that Indian cricket has turned a page. And he is now one of the few responsible for writing the next one.
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