India vs South Africa: KL Rahul is set to lead the Indian team in the ODI series against South Africa as the three-match series kicks off in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 17.

With the star player set for his usual role of batting in the middle order and keeping the wickets in ODI format, he made it clear that he wouldn't mind standing behind the stumps when the 'Boxing Day' Test against South Africa begins in just over a week's time.

"I don't know about all formats, right now my focus is on this ODI series," Rahul said. "Yes, I'll be doing the same role. I'll be wicketkeeping and batting in the middle order. After that, yes, I would be happy to take up that role even in the Test matches."

 

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Rahul last played a Test match back in February 2023 before he lost his place at the top of the order to Shubman Gill after four low scores in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

He was also hit by a hip injury in the IPL 2023 which ruled him out of contention for the WTC final and the subsequent Test series in the Caribbean.

While he remained out of the Test side, India roped in the new face of Yashasvi Jaiswal as the opening partner alongside the skipper Rohit Sharma against West Indies.

Jaiswal had a promising start to his career in the longest format with Gill settling as India's new No.3 batter in the absence of veteran player Cheteshwar Pujara.

With Shreyas Iyer also set to reclaim his middle-order spot, Rahul's only immediate way back in could be if he keeps wicket.

"I've always been open to doing new roles and accepting whatever role the team wants me to perform," Rahul said. "So I'm happy to do whatever the management, coach, and captain ask of me. If that's the role the team sees me in, I'm happy to do that."

Rahul will lead the ODI team ahead of the Test series which he also did in India's previous tour too, in 2021, where India were beaten 3-0 in the format.

The Men in Blue will be without the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami in the ODI series but all will return for the Test series except Pandya and Shami.

Rahul opened up on his feelings when asked about the prospects of playing ODIs again after an exhausting World Cup campaign with players and coaches coming in and out.

"Yeah, it does feel a bit strange, but that's how the game is going," he said. "The schedule is such that not every player can be available for every format. Unfortunately, the coach also has a bigger responsibility. The Test series is obviously the focus, but having said that, it gives some of us players a good opportunity to take up the extra responsibility and play our best cricket and still win the game.

 

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India had a remarkable outing in the World Cup at home where they finished as runners-up after a defeat against Australia in the final.

They will be taking the field in the ODI format for the first time after the World Cup as they aim to set the tone with impactful performances ahead of the Test series.