Rahul is DC\u2019s leading run-getter with 533 runs in 13 games at an average of 44.42 and a strike-rate of 171.93. Recently, Rahul replaced Rishabh Pant as India\u2019s vice-captain in Tests for the one-off game against Afghanistan, to be played in New Chandigarh on June 6.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFirstly, it\u2019s great to see him become vice-captain again for India. I think the hard work he\u2019s put in through this. I disagree with that comment. I think you look at his strike rates this year, he\u2019s put in a real shift. You\u2019re absolutely right in saying that he\u2019s a massively important player for us and for India as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s brilliant in the dressing room. Take away the batting, as a human being, the way he speaks to the younger players, the way he is, the way he holds himself, the way he trains is first class. I think his strike rates have gone through the roof, and he\u2019s guaranteed to get another 500-run season. He\u2019s been awesome for us, on and off the field, absolutely fantastic,\u201d said Bell in the pre-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bell also praised the depth of Indian talent in the DC set-up. \u201cIt\u2019s been great to see the amount of young talent coming through and dominating the style of play. Certainly, the modern-day player now, especially the guys at the top of the order, the fearless brand of cricket they play.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs a franchise, we\u2019ve tried to give opportunities to young players as well. Obviously, we\u2019re here to win, as every team is, but it\u2019s great to see the amount of talent in India and what\u2019s coming through.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI know for a fact a lot of other countries around the world are jealous of the quality and talent coming through in this country. The IPL is a great platform for young Indian players, and it\u2019s an exciting future ahead, certainly in white-ball cricket.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Mitchell Starc\u2019s role within the squad, Bell explained that he\u2019s a great role model in the team, just like how Rahul is. \u201cNo doubt when Mitchell Starc arrived, it certainly helped us just having somebody bowling at 140-plus. I think that does make any bowling attack slightly different, and that was a big impact for us.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt would have been nice to have him from the first game, but the guys have trained hard and worked hard on their skills, whether it\u2019s with the new ball or yorkers. They\u2019ve been prepared, but we know it\u2019s a ruthless tournament. If you get it wrong, you go.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Mitchell Starc\u2019s role within the squad, Bell explained that he\u2019s a great role model in the team, just like how Rahul is. \u201cNo doubt when Mitchell Starc arrived, it certainly helped us just having somebody bowling at 140-plus. I think that does make any bowling attack slightly different, and that was a big impact for us.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way he trains, I don\u2019t know if anyone watched him bowl last night, but he was at full tilt, running in, and it was a test for all our batters. As a coach, you want training to be a real challenge and played at a really high standard. I thought the way he trains is a great role model for all our young players to watch, as KL is,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n