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KL Rahul in action. (FILE photo)
Experienced Indian batter and now the full-time Test opener in the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul said it’ll be a strange feeling walking into the dressing room without Rohit and Virat Kohli. Both senior players, Virat and Rohit, announced their retirement from red-ball cricket last month before the Indian team selection for the five-match Test tour of England.
“Virat and Rohit have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the last decade or so, and not having them around will be a huge miss. In my whole career so far, I have never walked into a team where there is no Virat or Rohit,” said Rahul to his Indian Premier League side, Delhi Capitals media team.
“The 50-odd Test matches that I have played, either Virat or Rohit or both of them have been there. To walk into that dressing room feels a bit strange. But of course, you have to respect their decision. They have given absolutely everything for the country and they will remain legends of Indian cricket. But it’s time for the rest of us to step up,” he added.
The stylish right-hand batter also seemed quite excited about the return of his childhood friend and Karnataka teammate Karun Nair. Nair received an India call-up after nearly eight years, which came on the back of a terrific domestic season.
Speaking about Nair, Rahul said, “We started playing cricket as 11-year-old boys together, and we have been on this journey ever since. Both of us have had our ups and downs. He got his opportunity, scored a triple hundred, faced a bit of tough time after that for a lot of reasons,” he said.
Rahul said Nair relied on going “back to basics” during his time away from international cricket. “We have spoken about his time in the UK and him having played County cricket, and the difficulties and the challenges that he faced. To have that drive to make a comeback to the Indian team despite all the hardships is commendable. I hope both of us can play for a very long time for the Indian team,” he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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