'Having Rahul Dravid with us is a massive boost' - KL Rahul ahead of India's South Africa tour

After a torrid run in the longest format of the game in 2019, the tables have turned for KL Rahul. After a superb series against England in England, he is going to be the first-choice opener in the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

This is going to be the first time India play in the rainbow nation, with Rahul Dravid as the head coach. Thus, while speaking to Mayank Agarwal on a video posted by BCCI, the Karnataka batter felt that having the former Indian batter with them is going to be beneficial.

“Having Rahul Dravid with us this time is going to be very helpful. He’s played a lot of cricket here, he’s scored a lot of runs and in the three or four days of training we had, he’s had a lot of experiences to share and he’s really helping us prepare in the best way we can. So that’s a huge boost for us,” said KL Rahul.

You need to be a lot more patient in South Africa: KL Rahul

“I think you (Mayank Agarwal) had a great experience with Dravid while playing in the India A’s and did play a lot of cricket under him,” he added. The 29-year-old also gave his thoughts on batting in South Africa. He said that batting in the first 30-35 overs with the new ball is very crucial.

“I think the challenge here in South Africa is the bit of spongy bounce that the South African pitches have, especially here in Centurian. You know it feels like you have to be a lot more patient. Once you go through the new ball it’s a country where you really enjoy batting, especially once you get used to the pace, bounce. The outfields are quick as well. Hence, the challenge for us and the opener here would be the first 30-35 overs with the new ball, trying to be patient and trying to leave the bowls” he said.

As the new vice-captain of India’s red-ball side Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the three-match Test series against the Proteas due to an injury, the Karnataka batter is all set to be the vice-captain as well. While this wouldn’t be the first time that the opener plays in the rainbow nation, he was far from impressive during India’s previous Test series in this part of the world in 2018.