We learn a lot from Virat Kohli: KL Rahul

Virat Kohli has proved himself in every possible situation as a batsman but when it comes to leading the team it is a different ball game altogether. His first ODI as a captain was a success. Team India successfully chased down a humongous score. Virat did not let his captaincy affect his batting and scored a match-winning century.

In the buildup of the second ODI, Indian opener KL Rahul had a lot to say about his skipper who has been with him right from the Royal Challengers Bangalore team. “It is about how he (Kohli) has set examples for us. He has gone out there and done the job for the team many times. We look up to him and we see how he builds his innings, the kind of energy, enthusiasm and the passion he has on the field. It spreads on all of us. We learn a lot from him.”

Rahul further added that Kohli sets benchmarks with his performances and not only for himself but also helps the teammates get along and improve. “He is somebody who is not just looking to have great performances individually but he wants to take the team along. He is always showing us the way, sharing his experience and giving us feedback, telling us what he thinks we could have done better. That is the sign of a great leader,” he further glorified.

There are various options when it comes to batting combinations up top with Shikhar Dhawan back in the side and Ajinkya Rahane waiting in the ranks. Team India is bound to try out different combinations. The young opener said, “It does not affect or bother me. It’s a headache for the coach and captain. We love to have players competing for a slot. We just have to train harder and whoever does the job for the team plays.”

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Rahul even spoke about the competition for the opening slot he said, “We know there are other guys who are capable enough. That’s what wakes me up in the morning and train harder every day… to turn up at the practice every day and work harder.”

“There are able and talented guys waiting on the bench to take my place. It’s a good place to be in. We love the competition in the team. We never complain of competition or pressure of other guys. It kind of gets us going. We take it in a positive way. We try to remain positive on our work ethics,” he further added.