KL Rahul opines on shouldering responsibilities as Test vice-captain

From a backup opener to a vice-captain, when it comes to the longest format of the game, the last 12 months have been topsy-turvy for KL Rahul. Post the successful Test series in England, the opener is now the vice-captain of India’s red-ball team for the upcoming series against South Africa.

So far, the Karnataka batter has scored 2321 runs in 40 Tests at an average of 35.17. With the added responsibility of being the vice-captain, a lot will be expected from the 29-year-old. Recently, he went on to describe his feelings on being handed the new role.

While speaking to his teammate Mayank Agarwal on a video posted by BCCI’s official website, he went on to describe his journey. The elegant batter went on to say how big a privilege it is for him to take up this role. He also spoke about the added pressure that would come with it.

I never thought I’d get to play Test cricket again: KL Rahul

“Look obviously 6-7 months ago or a year ago I never thought I’d get to play Test cricket again, but yeah things have turned around quite quickly and I’m very very happy, grateful, and very honoured that such a huge responsibility is been given to me. I’m now looking forward to giving my best like I always do. I’ll try and help the team achieve more success” said KL Rahul when asked about his thoughts on being the vice-captain for this tour.

His fellow Karnataka teammate then went on to say that responsibility in the Indian team often comes with grey hair, and then cheekily asked him about the same. After chucking for a bit, the elegant batter said that he has already started getting a few grey hairs already. However, he did say that he’d cherish the responsibility.

“Yeah I started getting a few, I think that’s from the IPL captaincy. Not the responsibility here, but yeah if it comes I’ll be happy. Getting such a huge responsibility, I mean it would be an honour to be the vice-captain of the Indian team. Anyone would take that and wouldn’t really worry about the grey hair,” he said.