(Reuters) – KL Rahul is ready to shift his batting position to the middle order and take on wicketkeeping duties in all formats as he strives to solidify his place in India’s test and Twenty20 International teams.
Rahul’s last test match was in February, where he opened, but after returning from an injury in September, the 31-year-old played as a wicketkeeper-batsman for India in the Asia Cup and World Cup ODIs.
“I would be happy to take up that role even in the test matches,” Rahul told reporters ahead of India’s first ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg.
“I’ve always been open to doing new roles and accepting whatever role the team wants me to perform. So I’m happy to do whatever the management, coach and captain ask of me. If that’s the role the team sees me in, I’m happy to do that.”
With the T20 World Cup looming next year, Rahul expressed his willingness to continue in the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the shortest format.
“I want to play for the country, I want to play as many games as I can.”
“It’s a cliched line, but as you play more, you understand when it’s a team game, no position is yours. You have to be able to perform whatever the team requires. You have to be flexible, and adjust and do your best for the team.”
Rahul is set to lead India in three ODIs against South Africa from Dec. 17-21. Following the series will be two test matches, with the first starting on Dec. 26 in Pretoria, and the second on Jan. 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Hogue)
