"It's important to promote a player who is doing well": Madan Lal backs KL Rahul's appointment as India's Test Vice-Captain
Noida, May 19
Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal praised the appointment of KL Rahul as vice-captain, calling it a "right and good decision."
He highlighted Rahul's consistent performances across formats, seniority, and deep understanding of the game as key reasons for promoting him to a leadership role.
Rahul has replaced Rishabh Pant as India's Test vice-captain as the squad was announced for the side's one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on Tuesday.
"I think it's the right decision, it's a good decision because he's a sensible player and his performance has been quite good, whether it's T20 cricket, 50-over, or Test cricket. You know, it's important to promote a player who is doing well. And you need someone like him who's a senior and a performer. He knows the game very well," Madan Lal told ANI.
KL Rahul has played 67 Test matches, scoring 4,053 runs at an average of 35.86. His Test career includes 11 centuries, 20 half-centuries, and a highest score of 199.
The one-off Test will begin on June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series starting June 14 in Dharamshala. The second ODI will be played on June 17 in Lucknow, while the series will conclude on June 20 in Chennai.
The team was announced by the Men's Selection Committee, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar, along with Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, R. P. Singh, and Pragyan Ojha, in the presence of BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
India Test squad vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm happy for KL Rahul, but I wish Rishabh Pant wasn't dropped as vice-captain. Pant brought that aggressive energy to the field. Rahul is more calm and composed, which could be good too i guess. Let's see how this dynamic works with Shubman Gill as captain. Both young leaders!
Madan Lal's words carry weight - he's a World Cup winner. KL Rahul has matured a lot, his 199 against England was world-class. But I hope this appointment doesn't affect his batting form. Sometimes captaincy burden can weigh on a player's performance. Fingers crossed for the Afghanistan series! 🤞
Good move by the selectors! Rahul's experience in 67 Tests is invaluable. He's not just a batsman but a thinker of the game. The Afghanistan series is perfect for him to settle into this role before bigger series. Also nice to see some fresh faces like Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar in the squad!
As a cricket fan from abroad, I've always admired how India develops its leadership pipeline. KL Rahul has been India's Mr. Dependable in recent years. The only concern is his injury record - hope he stays fit. Excited to see how this new leadership duo of Gill and Rahul performs! 🏏
Madan Lal is spot on! KL Rahul has the temperament for leadership - he led Punjab Kings in IPL and KKR before that. His understanding of the game is excellent. But I feel Rishabh Pant deserved a longer run as VC, his match-winning knocks and keeping are
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