Cricket

Pressure of replacing legendary MS Dhoni as wicket-keeper was immense – KL Rahul

 

Indian white-ball wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul said there was a lot of pressure when he took over the wicket-keeping role for the team. Rahul had donned the gloves against Australia when Rishabh Pant was hit on the head by Pat Cummins’ bumper in an ODI match in January.

Subsequently, Rahul grabbed his opportunity with both hands and made it difficult for Pant to get back into the team. The Karnataka player impressed with his glovework and his form with the bat has been top class in the recent past.

In fact, Rahul has kept the wickets in the Indian Premier League and has also performed the role in his formative years while playing for Karnataka. The flamboyant batsman is well aware that he has big shoes to fill as he is replacing the legendary MS Dhoni, who has done a great job over the years.

Furthermore, the Indian crowd is known to get under the skin of the wicket-keeper whenever there is a fumble behind the wickets as they are used to the brilliance of MS Dhoni. Rishabh Pant has often had to bear the burnt as the crowd has booed him, whenever he has missed a chance.

“I was nervous when I was doing (wicketkeeping) it for India because of the crowd pressure. If you fumble a ball, people feel that you cannot replace MS Dhoni. The pressure of replacing a legendary wicket-keeper like MSD was immense as it involved people accepting someone else behind the stumps.” Rahul said on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.

Rahul has done a good job so far behind the stumps and he has sealed his place in the limited overs format. The stylish batsman was at his best as he scored 224 runs in five T20I matches at an average of 56 against New Zealand.

The right-hander also continued his good form going in the ODI series where he was given the role of the finisher. However, it was surprising to note that there was no place for Rahul in the Test side against Kiwis despite his good form in the white ball format.

Rahul has scored 1239 runs in 32 ODI matches at an average of 47.65 whereas he has scored 1461 runs in 41 T20I matches at an average of 45.66. The flamboyant batsman will like to continue his good form and he will lead Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, if the tournament happens.

 

 

Written by: Gautam Chauhan

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024