RANCHI: India’s stand-in captain K.L. Rahul said the team feels stronger with the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He made the remarks ahead of the one-day series against South Africa starting Sunday. India suffered a record 408-run Test defeat this week, which sealed a 2-0 series loss.
Rahul said the senior players bring confidence and stability to the dressing room. He noted that their presence helps younger players handle pressure. He added that India must shift focus from the Test setback and prepare with a clear mindset for the ODIs.
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India have struggled at home in recent months. They have lost five of their last seven home Tests, including a 3-0 sweep by New Zealand last year. However, Rahul insisted that the team remains united and determined to respond strongly. He said conversations within the squad now center on recovery and improvement.
Kohli and Rohit, who retired from Tests and T20s, return only for the 50-over format. Their comeback is seen as vital after India’s poor red-ball run. Rahul said their experience will guide the team through crucial moments in the series.
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The ODI matches will be followed by five T20 internationals. India will aim to regain momentum and rebuild confidence after their heavy Test losses. Rahul stressed that the team understands the expectations and is ready to move forward with renewed focus.