New Zealand vs India 2020: I Enjoy Staying Behind The Stumps - KL Rahul

The Karnataka batsman KL Rahul was once again asked to keep the wickets in the first T20I against New Zealand by the team management. And, he did to perfection. Speaking of the same in the post-match press conference, Rahul stated that he enjoys donning gloves for the team. Further, Rahul believes it will help him to get the fair idea about the pitch and be pro-active on the field.

In absence of Rishabh Pant, Rahul was stationed behind the stumps against the Aaron Finch-led side and did exceptionally well to earn the trust of Virat Kohli and the team management.

However, a few experts felt that would be a burden on his shoulders, but Rahul clarified that he is pretty happy with the new role for the Indian team.

Wicket-keeping requires you to be pro-active – KL Rahul

After playing a knock of 56 runs against New Zealand in the first T20I, wicket-keeper batsman Rahul on Friday said that he relishes staying behind the stumps and is loving whatever the role he was given in the recent times. His comments came after India’s six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I.

Rahul and Shreyas Iyer starred for the side to help India chase down the target of 204.

“I am honestly loving it, in the international stage it might look that I am new to wicket-keeping, but I have done this role in the domestic cricket. I have done it for my IPL franchise, I enjoy staying behind the stumps,” Rahul told reporters after the first T20I.

“It gives me a great idea of how the pitch is playing then I can pass on the message to the skipper and bowlers. Wicket-keeping requires you to be pro-active. I am enjoying the responsibility,” he added.

Rahul further said that it was a bit frustrating for him to not get enough games for the side in the past, but now he has settled within the lineup.

I tend to believe in my abilities: KL Rahul

In pursuit of 204, India lost Rohit Sharma (7) early in the second over. However, Rahul and Kohli then took charge of the innings with an 80-run partnership coming off only 47 balls.

The duo played some delightful strokes between as New Zealand struggled to contain the run flow. Continuing his fine form, Rahul notched up his half-century off just 23 balls.

“I have tried it in the last 12-15 months to play normal cricketing shots. I tend to believe in my abilities, it is easy for me if I believe in my shot-making. Shreyas also played a fantastic inning today, he played the role of finisher perfectly today,” he stated.

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