In absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Rahul has captained India at many occasions across formats, achieving a mixed success. Though the cricket fans didn't like the captaincy style of the opener, he was considered ahead in the pecking order to become India's next captain after Rohit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, KL had an ordinary tour of Bangladesh with the bat and things changed drastically for him, with Hardik Pandya replacing him as the vice-captain of India for the ODIs against Sri Lanka, which gave an indication towards Rahul dim future as skipper for 'Men in Blue'.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Flower, who has worked with Rahul during his stints at PBKS and LSG, is confident about the batter's captaincy skill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"KL is a superb batter, beautiful to watch, I love watching him bat, always have. I first came across him when I was coaching England Lions, we played against India A in Trivandrum, so I have been a keen follower of him as a batsman since then," the former Zimbabwean cricketer told at the sidelines of ILT20.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about KL leading India, Flower called him an excellent candidate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He is also an outstanding young man and a really good leader, he is very calm, measured, he is good company. I respect him and really enjoy working with him. What I know of him, he will be an excellent candidate. I don't know the other guys very well so can't comment on that, selectors might see that," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 54-year-old also suggested that Rahul must contribute in whatever team needs from him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He must play the role the team needs him and I am sure selectors will ask him to do that," the experienced coach said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Flower, who is coaching Gulf Giants -- a franchise owned by Adani Group -- at the inaugural edition of ILT20, understands the responsibility of coaching a new team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He must play the role the team needs him and I am sure selectors will ask him to do that," the experienced coach said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n