Team India keeper-batter KL Rahul has issued a massive update on Rohit Sharma's fitness ahead of their final group-game against New Zealand on March 2, Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. With reports swirling around that the 37-year-old's hamstring injury could keep him out of the game against the Kiwis, Rahul said there are no concerns in the team fitness wise.
Rohit was seen struggling with his hamstring during the game against Pakistan in Dubai and went off the field for some time, prompting Shubman Gill to step up as captain. However, he returned after a short break and batted for 15 deliveries for a quick 20 before Shaheen Shah Afridi castled the Indian captain.
During the press conference on February 28, Friday, the Karnataka-born cricketer stated:
"Fitness wise, there are no concerns about anyone missing a game as far as I know."
"I am not trying to compete with Rishabh" - KL Rahul
Although the right-handed batter admitted that there is competition with Rishabh Pant for the keeper's spot, he said he is not trying to play like him. Simultaneously, Rahul stated that Pant has a different style too and will play accordingly.
"There is (competition with Pant), I won't lie. He is a very talented player and has shown all of us what he can do and how aggressively he can play and how quickly he can change the game. So there is always a temptation in the team with the captain and the coach to think if they should play him or play me. For me, whenever I get the opportunity, I try and see what I can do best. I am not trying to compete with Rishabh. I am not trying to play like him, or I am sure when he gets a chance, he is not trying to play like anybody else. He is picked on the basis of how he can play, and the same applies to me."
