'He knows the team better than me' - Anil Kumble opens up on KL Rahul's capabilities ahead of IPL 2020

Indian wicket-keeping batting sensation KL Rahul is all set to lead Kings XI Punjab from the front for the first time. He has been gearing up well in UAE with his teammates to flaunt his class in his maiden captaincy attempt. In the same light, the head coach and mentor of the franchise, Anil Kumble, has stated that Rahul is the ‘first-choice wicket-keeper’ for them for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.

The 28-year-old has initially donned his gloves work for Karnataka in the domestic cricket. Now, he has also become the first-choice wicket-keeper for the national side due to his precise skills behind the stumps. The cherry on the cake is his batting skills at any position that can tackle the team in tight situations.

Kumble told Sportstar, “I think K. L. will obviously take up keeping, and then, we will take it from there.”

“It was very important to choose the captain [for the season]. I have known K. L., seen him as a young kid growing up in Bengaluru, and as a cricketer. It’s his first season as skipper, but he knows the team better than me. He has played here for two seasons. I think we have all the ingredients to build a solid team.”

The former spinner also opined that Rahul will be of great help to the team in decision making. Also, the team has got all the ‘right ingredients’ to challenge their opponents in the cash-rice league slated to commence September 19. He also gave his opinions on speedster, Mohammad Shami

Mohammed Shami is the experienced guy here: Anil Kumble

“Shami is the experienced guy here. He has been brilliant over the last five or six days. He will be able to pass on his thoughts to the youngsters. I am looking at him not just for his skills, but also for his thoughts and information,” Kumble concluded.

KL Rahul has sported Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey in the past in IPL. However, he has been doing wonders ever since he has switched to Punjab squad smashing 659 runs in IPL 2018, and 593 runs in the last season of IPL.