KL Rahul to Replace Virat Kohli as Test Captain?

Star batter KL Rahul has said it will be an honour for him to lead the Indian team in Test matches.

KL Rahul was India’s vice-captain in the Test series against South Africa in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

He was Virat Kohli’s deputy in the three-match series in which India lost 2-1.

Following the loss, Virat Kohli took to social media to announce that he will be stepping down as the Test captain of the Indian team.

Virat stepped down from his role following a record-breaking 68 matches and 40 wins.

In a post shared on Twitter, Virat Kohli partly said:

“Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now.

“There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief.”

The announcement shocked fans leading to speculation on who should take over as the new captain.

While Rohit remains a favourite to take over, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have also been deemed as strong contenders.

KL Rahul, who will be leading India in the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa was recently asked about leading the team.

Talking about the prospects of leading in Tests, KL Rahul said it will be an honour for him as well as a “huge responsibility”.

The cricketer said: “It’ll be an honour if chosen to lead the team.

“It’s a very exciting prospect and I will try to lead to the best of my abilities.”

“It will be a huge responsibility.”

KL Rahul, who is India’s vice-captain in white-ball cricket, had replaced Rohit Sharma as Virat’s deputy in Tests in the recently-concluded Test series.

He also led India in the second Test against the Proteas after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a back spasm.

With Rohit also ruled out of the ODIs, KL Rahul will be leading the team in the upcoming series against the Proteas.

He has led Punjab Kings for two seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Since then, KL Rahul has been recognised as one of the future leaders in Indian cricket.

After losing the Test series 2-1, KL Rahul will be looking to inspire India to bounce back and win the ODI series against South Africa.

The first ODI will be played in Boland Park in Paarl on January 19, 2022.