Mumbai, June 8: A good batting performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the recently concluded IPL resulted in young KL Rahul's induction in Team India's limited-overs' squad for Zimbabwe.
But the young Karnataka batsman, who performed an added responsibility of a wicket-keeper for RCB, wasn't impressive behind the stumps.
MS Dhoni is one of the best wicket-keepers in the business and is known for his immpecable reflexes behind the stumps.
"I have enjoyed whatever little I could do for RCB. I have always enjoyed 'keeping. I guess I will have to work a lot harder. It wasn't as easy I had thought it to be. It's a different role, a different challenge that I had not done in a while. Getting some time with MS (Dhoni) in Zimbabwe, my plan is to work with him on my wicket-keeping skills and to see what feedback he has for me," he told reporters at the open media session before the Indian team's departure to Zimbabwe.
(Kohli, de Villiers helped me to improve my batting: KL Rahul)
The Karnataka opener was among Indian players who did well in the IPL this season and eventually earned a place in India's ODI and T20 squd for Zimababwe. He will also be a part of Virat Kohli-led India's Test squad for West Indies tour.
Chance for KL Rahul to become Dhoni's successor:
If Rahul improves his preformance behind the stumps then he could emerge as another contender for wicket-keeper's position in Test squad. India hasn't found a permanent replacement for MS Dhoni, ever since he retired from Test cricket. Also in coming years he could fit into Dhoni's gloves, whenever the Indian skipper plans to hang up his boots.
Learnt a lot from Kohli, de Villiers:
Meanwhile, Rahul also said the lessons he learnt from the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have made him a better cricketer and he would look to "express" himself in the Zimbabwe tour beginning Saturday (June 11).
"I spent time with Virat (Kohli) and AB (de Villiers) and asked them questions about what they thought I should do to improve my cricket and be successful in shortest format. Their ideas and feedback did help me in improving my batting," he added.
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