Indian captain for the Zimbabwe series, KL Rahul has opined that the team hasn’t forgotten what he has done for the last two years after he is all set to make a come back to International cricket after almost six months.
Rahul had last played competitive cricket in February 2022 in the series against the West Indies. The flamboyant batter then led Lucknow Super Giants to the playoff stages in Tata IPL 2022. Rahul was in great form in the tournament as he scored 616 runs in 15 matches.
However, he was ruled out from the five-match series against South Africa due to a groin injury. Subsequently, he underwent Sports Hernia surgery in Germany. Rahul was expected to return to action in the T20I series against the West Indies but he tested positive for Covid-19, which ruled him out of the tour.
Meanwhile, Rahul has been a consistent performer for the Indian team in the last few years. The right-hander had scored 315 runs in four Test matches against England in 2021 and also scored a fine hundred in the first Test match against South Africa.
“You might be out for two months but they haven’t forgotten what you have done for the team and the country in the last two-three years Players actually thrive in such an environment,” the Indian captain said on the eve of the first ODI against Zimbabwe.
“It is this kind of environment that can help a player transform from being a good player to a great player, playing a lot more match-winning innings for his team,” said Rahul.
“It is very important for a player to get the backing of selectors, coach and captain. It gives you so much confidence that your mindset is clear and you can focus on the things that are necessary. It becomes easy for players that your support group is backing you,” the stylish right-hander added.
The ODI series against Zimbabwe will be a perfect opportunity for KL Rahul to get crucial game time under his belt. Rahul is going to play a pivotal role in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup and the team will want him to hit the ground running against Zimbabwe.
The first ODI will be played at Harare on Thursday.
