Virat Kohli backs KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant as India's first-choice T20I wicketkeeper

Indian cricket team are currently on a gruelling 40-day full-fledged tour to New Zealand between January 24 and March 4. ‘Men in Blue’ recently thumped visiting Australians 2-1 in a 3-match ODI series. After wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant got injured midway in series, KL Rahul kept wickets in final two ODIs.

Also Read | Sunil Gavaskar Opposes Virat Kohli Backing KL Rahul Over Rishabh Pant As India's Keeper

India vs New Zealand: Virat Kohli backs KL Rahul as T20I wicketkeeper

KL Rahul impressed one-and-all with his abilities behind stumps. Additionally, he also continued his fine run of form with bat through some blistering kcks. Ahead of upcoming contests, Indian captain Virat Kohli suggested that KL Rahul will keep wickets in T20Is against New Zealand as well.

Also Read | Mike Hesson Warns Of A Potential Threat From Kiwi Pacers To Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

While speaking with reporters, Virat Kohli praised KL Rahul’s all-round abilities by describing him as a “total team man”. He added that Rahul accepts any kind of role for team and said that it’s wonderful to have someone who can bring balance to side. Even though Rishabh Pant is fully recovered from his injury, Virat Kohli said that y will have KL Rahul behind stumps for some more time.

Also Read | Sanjay Manjrekar Picks KL Rahul Over Rishabh Pant As First Choice Keeper, Faces Backlash

NZ vs Ind 2020

After upcoming T20I series, both teams will clash in a three-match ODI series between February 5 and February 11. last time India and New Zealand contested an ODI was semi-final of 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Virat Kohli and co. lost that kckout encounter by 18 runs and crashed out of tournament. ODIs will n be followed by two Test matches, which will also form a part of ongoing inaugural ICC World Test Championship.

Also Read | Virat Kohli On Cusp Of Achieving Two Big Milestones In T20I Series Against New Zealand

Also Read | Virat Kohli Enjoys Downtime In Auckland With Healthy Meals, KL Rahul And Ravindra Jadeja