Stand-in skipper KL Rahul on Tuesday confirmed that he will open the batting for India in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting here on Wednesday, in the absence of Rohit Sharma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 29-year old has batted for India in a number of different positions in the middle order with Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan opening the batting in the 50-over format. However, he has replaced Dhawan as India's regular opener in T20Is with the latter not being selected in the team for the shortest format of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The last 14-15 months I have batted at 4, 5, different positions, where the team needed me. With Rohit not being here, I will bat at the top," said Rahul in a pre-match virtual press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I'm not someone who has a lot of plans and targets. I like to take one game at a time. That's how I've played my cricket and that's how I'll look to lead the team," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Rahul opening the batting, it will be interesting to see whether India will go for Dhawan or Ruturaj Gaikwad as KL's opening partner in the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The star batter, who will also captain the side in the absence of white-ball skipper Rohit, said that he has learnt a lot while playing under great captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.<\/p>\r\n\r\n