IND vs SL 2022-23: Dual role in ODIs keeping KL Rahul 'on his toes'

KL Rahul has to work harder for his dual role of a wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs, but he has no complaints as his priority is to be in the playing eleven. 

The 30-year-old, who usually bats first for India in Test matches, is now not only donning the wicket-keeping gloves since Rishabh Pant is injured, but Shubman Gill has also replaced him at No. 5 in the batting order. Rahul said the team's clear about the role it wants from him.

"Obviously, I've done this for a couple of years now. From the end of 2019 throughout 2020 and a few games in 2021. It's not something that's new," he said in the media interaction after guiding India to a series-sealing win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Kolkata.

"The team has given me time to settle into this position and role. When you have the backing of your captain and coach, it helps you focus and bring 100 per cent concentration, which is what the team is expecting," he added.

"Yes, it's different to what I do in other formats that keeps me on my toes, keeps me challenged -- a different role helps me understand my game better," he said. 

Rahul has to work harder on his fitness for the additional responsibility. "I've to work slightly differently when it comes to batting in the middle-order. Wicket-keeping and batting can be slightly more taxing on the body, because I have not done it for too long, I've done it on and off in white ball cricket," he noted.

"That's the tough part. But since I know this is what is required from me, I try to manage my body and work that much harder on my fitness. Little bit of work on my keeping and a lot of work on batting in the middle-order and batting against spin," Rahul added.

"Any role that helps win matches for my team and country is what satisfies me the most wherever I bat. Firstly, I want to be in the playing XI, that's the most important thing," he remarked.

Also read: IND vs SL 2022-23, 1st ODI: KL Rahul allows nervy India to sneak past with a series win; netizens relieved

Rahul said he has got used to playing different roles for the team. "Once you are there, whatever the team requires me to do, I try and do that. That's something that I've done throughout. Since the time I've started playing cricket for India," he added remembering his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in 2014. Then afterwards I went on to open, played at No 6 and when Shikhar (Dhawan) got injured, I opened again, played at No 4 and 5," he said.

Rahul, who also led India in Rohit's absence last year, said the trust bestowed on him by the team management helps him thrive under pressure. 

"I've been all over, I've been asked to keep wickets. It's been fun for me. I've really enjoyed being thrown different challenges. I've really thrived on performing in tough conditions and being put under pressure. That only tells me that the team really trusts me and backs me, under Virat and Rohit. I've really enjoyed doing that. It helped me understand myself, my game, and my batting better. How I'm under pressure, when taken out of my comfort zone," he noted.

Rahul has occupied the wicket-keeper's slot at the expense of Ishan Kishan, who is dropped despite his fastest double century in the previous ODI series. This has also fuelled debate over the selection of Rahul, who is battling indifferent form after coming back from injury during the IPL 2022. 

Chasing a paltry 216, Rahul bailed India out from being 86/4 with his knock of sheer patience and perseverance. He was the only designated batter left in the middle as he stitched two key partnerships with Hardik Pandya (36) and Axar Patel (21) to take them over the line in 43.2 overs.

"There's little bit happening with the ball as well, we handled the pressure pretty well. Games like this are also important. We played one 370-plus and they scored 300-plus," he added.

(With inputs from PTI)