KL Rahul To Captain Team India vs New Zealand: Reports

KL Rahul is likely to captain India against New Zealand in the three-match T20I series at home late this month.

India are currently playing in the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Having lost both the matches against Pakistan and New Zealand in the tournament so far, the chances of Virat Kohli and co qualifying for the semis is very slim.

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Considering the number of matches the Indian players have been playing since the World Test Championship final, senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be rested for the New Zealand T20Is.

Kohli had announced in September that he would be giving up India’s T20I captaincy after the T20 World Cup, which ends on November 14.

According to reports, Indian selectors will soon hold a meeting to decide India’s new T20I skipper. Limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma is the front-runner to succeed Kohli in the shortest format.

KL Rahul is likely to lead India against New Zealand

With Rohit possibly given rest after the T20 World Cup, KL Rahul could lead India against the Black Caps.

Rahul has been the skipper of the IPL team Punjab Kings (earlier Kings XI Punjab) for two years now and also led India unofficially on the field in the final T20I against New Zealand when Rohit Sharma was injured while batting in the first innings.

“The seniors would need a breather and it is no secret that Rahul is an integral part of the team’s T20 structure. He is almost certain to lead,” a source told news agency ANI.

Fans to comeback in stands in India-New Zealand series

Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, cricket matches are being held mostly behind close stands in India.

Fans could partially return to the stands in the T20I series against New Zealand.

“Yes, we will have fans coming in, but it won’t be full capacity. We will work closely with the local authorities and plan the way forward,” a BCCI official said.

The first T20I match between India and New Zealand will be played on November 17 in Jaipur.

Also Read: Selectors To Decide India’s New T20I Captain Very Soon, Rohit Sharma Stands As Front-Runner- Reports