India’s KL Rahul has vowed to leave behind the team’s humbling Test series defeat by South Africa as he leads the squad into a three-match ODI series starting Sunday in Ranchi.
India lost the opening Test in Kolkata by 30 runs, followed by a crushing 408-run defeat in Guwahati, marking their fifth loss in seven home Tests.
Rahul, 33, has been named captain for the ODI series in place of regular skipper Shubman Gill, who is sidelined with a neck injury. The wicketkeeper-batsman emphasized the team’s focus on winning.
“That’s what we will focus on and forget what happened a week ago,” Rahul told reporters on Saturday. “We’re focusing on the game tomorrow and aiming for a collective performance to help us win. Then we move to the second venue and try to win the series. That’s the most important thing.”
India will also benefit from the return of former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both retired from Test cricket, adding valuable experience and leadership. “Their presence at any point is huge. It makes the dressing room feel more confident,” Rahul said. “Just having their experience helps the team, and we’re really happy they’re here.”
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel added that the switch to white-ball cricket would inject fresh energy into the squad. “It’s a change of colour by clothing and a change of ball, which brings different energy,” the South African said. “It’s important to start well and play good cricket over the next week or two because South Africa are here to win. Luckily, we have some good experience in the team.”
The three-match ODI series will run from Sunday until December 6, followed by a five-match T20 International series between India and South Africa.
