Ahead of India\u2019s one-off Test against Afghanistan at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh from June 6, Chopra said Rahul\u2019s experience and consistency will be vital to the team\u2019s success during the ongoing transition period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKL Rahul\u2019s Test career has now entered its peak phase. He is not getting any younger, and he has been around for long enough. We have seen him succeed in Test cricket, especially in overseas conditions. He has been one of India\u2019s better openers in the longest format,\u201d Chopra told Jio Hotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahul was recently appointed vice-captain under Test skipper Shubman Gill, a move Chopra believes reflects the team\u2019s faith in his ability to shoulder greater responsibility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNow he has been promoted to become Shubman Gill\u2019s deputy, that is a big responsibility, especially in transition. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring, India need someone like KL Rahul to fully own that spot at the top of the order,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra noted that while Rahul has already established himself as a prolific run-scorer in the format, the challenge now lies in maintaining that standard over an extended period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNow he has been promoted to become Shubman Gill\u2019s deputy, that is a big responsibility, especially in transition. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring, India need someone like KL Rahul to fully own that spot at the top of the order,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, India will begin their post-IPL Test season against Afghanistan on June 6, with Rahul set to partner the captain at the top of the order as the team embarks on a fresh chapter in red-ball cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n