India have had many different captains in various formats since the start of this year and the 7th captain on the list, Shikhar Dhawan, would have had his 2nd series as India’s ODI captain if BCCI hadn’t chosen to draft a fit-agin KL Rahul to the squad for the 3 games ODI series vs Zimbabwe. Rahul was a last moment addition in the Indian squad and will likewise be performing captaincy duties, a role which was at first given to Shikhar Dhawan.
Rahul’s inclusion in the India squad for the Zimababwe series came in as a shock as the selectors didn’t mention of a chance of the India vice-captain’s addition being subject to a fitness test while announcing the squad in the first place.
KL Rahul, however will look to make a great return in the 3-game series against Zimbabwe, which begins from August 18. Shikhar Dhawan, who is possible open the innings with Rahul, will rather be his deputy now.
Sharing his thoughts on the same, Dhawan in the pre-match post conference said: “It is a very good news that KL is back and will be leading the side as well. He is one of the main players of this Indian team. It will be a good outing for him before the Asia Cup gets underway. I am sure he will gain a lot from this tour.”
The vice-captain also looks forward to assisting the youngsters who seek out for him. “I quite enjoy sharing my experience with the youngsters in the team. I first came here in 2014 (actually 2013), when Duncan Fletcher was the Indian coach. If they (youngsters) reach out to me for any suggestions, I am (always) there to answer them,” he said.