India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has hinted that KL Rahul might play as the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming first Test of the two-match series against South Africa in Centurion, starting December 24.
Despite Rahul having kept wickets in 35 ODIs and 8 T20Is, this series marks his first time performing the role in Test cricket. Dravid, confident in Rahul’s abilities, pointed out that his experience in limited-overs formats should translate well into Tests. While KS Bharat is another wicket-keeping option, Dravid acknowledged Rahul’s preparedness for this new challenge, emphasizing the possibilities it brings in its wake.
“It’s an exciting challenge as we have a couple of keepers to choose from. We have had conversations with KL Rahul, and he is confident of keeping wickets In Tests. He has done it in 50 overs which isn’t easy as it takes a lot out of your body. He’s prepared, as in the last six to seven months, he has done a lot of keeping. This will be a new and exciting challenge for him.” Dravid told reporters ahead of the first Test.
Dravid highlighted the team’s motivation to move past disappointments, emphasizing that athletes are trained to overcome setbacks and focus on upcoming opportunities.
Reflecting on India’s history in South Africa, Dravid underlined India’s previous struggles in winning a Test series in the country.
“It’s happened in the past, yes it’s disappointing, but we have moved on from it. Now you have got something ahead of you. Players are good at that (moving on). We are forced to do that, we learn how to do that from the time we are kids. Every time you get out, you are disappointed, you have another innings to play, you have to perform in the next innings, so you can’t let the disappointment of the past stay with you. As cricketers, you learn how to deal with that, from the time you are kids. If you let the disappointment of the past stay with you, it will affect you in the next game,” Dravid added.
In the 2021-22 tour, where Dravid served as head coach for his first overseas series, India won the first Test but suffered defeat in the last two, resulting in a 2-1 series loss.
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