SA vs IND 2021: Never thought I would get to play Test cricket again – KL Rahul

India’s Test opener KL Rahul has admitted that he never thought he would get to play Test cricket again. Rahul was dropped from the Test team as he could perform consistently and had played his last Test match against West Indies back in June 2019 before the England series.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was expected to be Rohit Sharma’s opening partner in the away Test series against England but the youngster was ruled due to a shin injury. Subsequently, Mayank Agarwal was expected to get his chances but the Karnataka batter was also ruled out after he was hit on the head in the practice session.

Ergo, KL Rahul was given his chance in the Test series against England. The flamboyant batter was able to grab his opportunity with both hands as he scored 315 runs in four Test matches at an average of 39.38. Rahul was ruled out of the home Test series against New Zealand and he will look to make a solid comeback against South Africa.

The right-hander will open the innings with his good friend Mayank Agarwal as Rohit Sharma has been ruled due to a hamstring injury.

“Before 6-7 months or a year ago, I never thought I would get to play Test cricket again. Things changed quickly and I am very happy for such a huge responsibility is given to me as vice-captain for this tour. I am looking forward to giving my best,” Rahul said in a video shared by the BCCI.

“I have bitter-sweet memories from Boxing Day. I debuted on a Boxing Day Test in Australia, but that did not go well. I lost my position again. I felt that’s the end for me. I think I have become more balanced in my approach to the game. I have changed a lot from how I used to play in 2014 when I made my debut and in 2018,” he further said.

Furthermore, Rahul has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Test team in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The right-handed batter is also expected to be named as limited-overs vice-captain. Rahul had led Punjab Kings in the last two seasons of the IPL and he is reported to take a similar role for the Lucknow franchise.

When Mayank Agarwal asked Rahul whether responsibility in the Indian team comes with grey hair, he said,  “I’ve started getting a few.. but that’s from IPL captaincy and not the responsibility here. But I’m happy to get such a responsibility and it’s an honor to be the vice-captain of the Indian team. Anyone would take that and no one would worry about the grey hair,” said Rahul.

KL Rahul also shed light on preparing for the Test series under the tutelage of head coach Rahul Dravid, who always had a good record while playing in overseas conditions.

“Having Dravid with us this time is very helpful. He’s played a lot of cricket here and scored a lot of runs too. He’s got a lot of experiences to share and he’s helping us to prepare the best way we can. That’s a big boost for us.”

The first Test match between South Africa and India will be played at Centurion from December 26.