When KL Rahul was picked in the Indian test squad for the tour of England 6 months ago, he was the 4th opener in the squad. Even when Shubman Gill got injured, it was Mayank Agarwal who was in line to play the first test and it’s when Agarwal also got injured that KL Rahul got his opportunity to play.
From being the 4th opener of the test squad only 6 months ago, Rahul today came out to toss the coin as the captain of India in the second test against South Africa in what was a dramatic turn of events.
It was only in the last test series against New Zealand that Ajinkya Rahane was the vice-captain of the Indian test team. Even when Rahane was removed because of his poor form, Rohit Sharma was given the vice-captaincy of the test team and Virat Kohli was kept on as captain.
Nobody even in his wildest of dreams at that point of time would have thought that come the second test against South Africa, it would be KL Rahul captaining India in a test match. But, first Rohit Sharma injured his hamstring and got ruled out of the tour and then Virat Kohli sustained an upper back spasm on the eve of the second test match, paving the way for Rahul to take up the test captaincy dramatically.
KL Rahul will also captain India in the upcoming 3-match ODI series against South Africa
Rahul has already been appointed the captain of the ODI side that will play a 3-match series on this tour, and now he is captaining in a test match as well, which he himself would not have anticipated at the start of the tour. The Indian fans had no idea half an hour before the toss that Rahul was going to lead India in the Wanderers test and when they saw him out with Dean Elgar at the toss, nobody could believe it.
On one hand, there was disappointment among the fans that Kohli was missing a test match which can potentially be a historical test match for India, as they can win their first-ever test series in South Africa by winning this test, but on the other hand, the Indian fans were also very happy for Rahul who has seen an unbelievable rise in the last few months.
Here is how Twitter reacted when KL Rahul came out to toss today –
If you are KL Rahul, you must think life is a roller-coaster…..
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2022
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Leading your nation in Test cricket is a matter of pride. Go well @klrahul11
— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) January 3, 2022
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Kl Rahul like Tom Hanks from Forrest Gump things just keeps happening for him
— Rahul (@Ittzz_Rahul) January 3, 2022
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Kl Rahul who wasn't even a starter in the test series against England in August until Mayank got injured is leading the Indian test team today . Destiny is all .
— ` (@FourOverthrows) January 3, 2022
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KL Rahul didn't play a single Test from August 2019 to August 2021.
Now, he's India's Test captain.
AdvertisementIncredible five months for him. #SAvIND
— Aadya Sharma (@Aadya_Wisden) January 3, 2022
in august, injuries to two opening batters opened the door for KL Rahul to return to Test cricket after a two year gap. Less than half a year later, he is stepping in as captain! #SAvIND
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 3, 2022
As recently as Aug 1 2021, @klrahul11 's test career painted a sorry picture. Some highs and a lot of lows and uncertainties with no sign of breakthrough.
Today he's leading the test side.
Life cud throw up unexpected challenges and opportunities, u should be ready to grab them!— The Friendly Neighborhood Expert (@madaddie24) January 3, 2022
KL Rahul to lead India at Wanderers. KL Rahul has captained in only 1 FC match before: India A v England Lions at Mysore in 2019
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 3, 2022
It was easier for Ajinkya Rahane to captain the test team in the absence of Virat Kohli, since he has been a part of leadership group for a long time.
Huge task at hand for KL Rahul, would be surprised if he emulates Virat's leadership template successfully.
— Ricky talks Cricket (@CricRicky) January 3, 2022
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Past 12 months have been tumultuous for #KLRahul. Same time last year, he couldn’t find a place in the Test. Today he is captain!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 3, 2022
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