Due to a hamstring injury, captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of India’s ODI series in South Africa, prompting selectors to choose KL Rahul as leader of an 18-member team for the white-ball phase of the tour.
Jasprit Bumrah was also appointed vice-captain. The selectors were keeping a watch on Rohit, who was recuperating from an injury at the NCA in Bengaluru. KL Rahul was appointed as captain again for the 2nd Test against South Africa as Virat Kohli was ruled out because of a back injury.
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IPL success shouldn’t be used as a parameter
There is a distinction to be made between international cricket and the IPL. International cricket is far more intensive and exposes players to high-intensity and high-pressure circumstances than the IPL. KL Rahul despite being a fine captain in the IPL, doesn’t have what it takes to lead the national side.
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Cannot lead from the front
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are world-class batsmen and can lead from the front. KL Rahul despite being a great talent, is inconsistent with the bat and can’t be trusted to lead from the front. He is not the one to be trusted in big games.
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Experience
KL Rahul has no experience of leading the national team. Rohit Sharma had a decent amount of experience leading the national team before he was appointed as captain. KL Rahul struggled as a captain and his lack of experience was clearly visible in the 2nd test.
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Lack of consistency
KL Rahul is yet to stamp his dominance in the game’s longest format, which is no longer a mystery. He has been inconsistent with the bat and has not played many big innings. Even though he is very talented, he gives away his wicket cheaply sometimes.
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Knowing the team
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma know the team inside out. Knowing your players’ strengths and shortcomings is essential for leadership. When you know your squad inside and out, you’ve already won half the battle before you ever step onto the field. KL Rahul doesn’t know the team inside out yet and he is a bad captaincy fit for the national team.
