KL Rahul will don the captain’s armband once again when India take on South Africa in the three-match ODI series starting tomorrow, after regular skipper Shubman Gill continues to recover from a neck injury and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains unavailable.
The BCCI confirmed Rahul’s appointment just a day before the official announcement, catching even the 33-year-old slightly off-guard.
“I was told only a day before that the opportunity might come my way and I might have to lead,” Rahul revealed on the eve of the first ODI at the JSCA Stadium.
Having previously led India in 12 ODIs, three Tests and one T20I, Rahul is no stranger to the role. His most notable success came in 2023 when he guided India to a historic 2-1 ODI series win in South Africa — only the second Indian captain after Virat Kohli to achieve the feat on South African soil.
“I’ve captained before, and it’s something I really enjoy. I love taking responsibility and making decisions that help the team,” he said.
With senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja all part of the squad, Rahul emphasised that leadership remains a collective effort.
“We have Rohit, Virat, Jaddu — all the seniors around me who will help out. The way we play our cricket is that everyone is a leader. We all try to do what’s best for the team, whether I’m captain or someone else is,” he added.
Rahul has seamlessly transitioned from Test opener to middle-order finisher in ODIs in recent times, a role he excelled in during India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year and the recent series in Australia.
As India begin their long road to the 2027 World Cup, tomorrow’s game will mark the first ODI under Rahul’s captaincy in nearly two years — and the stylish Karnataka batter is ready to embrace the challenge once more.
