“I do not learn about all codecs, proper now my focus is on this ODI sequence,” Rahul mentioned. “Sure, I will be doing the identical function. I will be wicketkeeping and batting within the center order. After that, sure, I’d be comfortable to take up that function even within the Take a look at matches.”

Rahul final performed a Take a look at in February 2023, and misplaced his place on the high of the order to Shubman Gill after 4 low scores within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A hip harm within the IPL then dominated him out of competition for the WTC closing and the next Take a look at sequence within the Caribbean.

On this time, Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a superb Take a look at initiation as opener and Gill has been anointed as India’s new No. 3. With Shreyas Iyer additionally set to reclaim his middle-order spot, Rahul’s solely speedy approach again in may very well be if he retains wicket.

“I’ve at all times been open to doing new roles and accepting no matter function the crew needs me to carry out,” Rahul mentioned. “So I am comfortable to do regardless of the administration, coach and captain ask of me. If that is the function the crew sees me in, I am comfortable to try this.”

What about T20s? As issues stand, India have solely three extra T20Is in opposition to Afghanistan to slender down their mixture forward of the T20 World Cup in June, so IPL type is prone to have a large bearing on the squad composition.

This has the potential to make issues tough for Rahul, since he opens the batting for Lucknow Tremendous Giants. Is there an opportunity, then, that he would possibly transfer to the center order there too? For Rahul, it is about doing no matter helps him make up for misplaced time after enduring his justifiable share of accidents.

“Yeah in fact, I need to play for the nation, I need to play as many video games as I can,” Rahul mentioned. “Sadly I’ve missed a number of cricket as a consequence of accidents. So yeah, I wish to benefit from my time and play as many video games as I can regardless of the function is.

“No matter is anticipated out of me, I’ve achieved that all through my profession to this point, I do not suppose that’s going to vary, no matter is anticipated of me. For me the crew at all times comes first. After we began enjoying the sport one of many first issues that was taught to us was it is a crew recreation.

“It is a cliched line, however as you play extra you perceive no place is yours. However as you play extra, you perceive when it is a crew recreation no place is yours. You may have to have the ability to carry out regardless of the crew requires. It’s a must to be versatile, and regulate and do your finest for the crew.”

Earlier than the Take a look at sequence, Rahul will lead India within the ODIs. It is a function he carried out on India’s earlier tour too, in 2021, the place India had been overwhelmed 3-0 within the format. This time round, Rahul leads a predominantly younger squad, with out seniors resembling Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

“Yeah, it does really feel a bit unusual, however that is how the sport goes,” he mentioned. “The schedule is such that not each participant will be obtainable for each format. Sadly the coach additionally has a much bigger accountability. The Take a look at sequence is clearly the main target, however having mentioned that, it provides a few of us gamers a very good alternative to take up the additional accountability and play our greatest cricket and nonetheless win the sport.

“Nothing adjustments for us. Each time we characterize the nation, we need to play properly and win. The fellows which can be listed below are all very deserving of their call-up to the nationwide crew. They’ve all carried out rather well and I belief every of them. The selectors have proven religion and given them this chance. So we belief all of them to do the job and compete actually arduous right here and win the sequence.”

Will India look to hold ahead the identical template they displayed on the World Cup? Rahul recommended they’d look to, although it might be troublesome to anticipate the youthful group to tackle sure roles, such because the all-out aggression adopted by Rohit Sharma on the high of the order.

“I do not suppose lots will change by way of of how we need to play ODI cricket,” he mentioned. “However there are just a few new faces, so to anticipate them to play the function that Rohit Sharma performed within the World Cup shall be too quickly. It’s a must to make them really feel comfy. So there isn’t any added stress from our aspect.

“We have to concentrate on what’s in entrance of us. How we performed within the World Cup was actually good, was very thrilling. However we have to determine right here what works for us, what works for this Indian crew in these situations and attempt to adapt.”