If you lose the ball, people feel you can’t replace MS Dhoni: KL Rahul | Cricket News

MUMBAI: The pressure to replace the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps was “immense” due to high fan expectations, says KL Rahul, who has been doing his duty to keep the wicket for India in the overprint format. limited for some time.

Dhoni left test cricket in 2014 and has not played for India in the limited format since last year’s ODI World Cup in England.

Rahul held the wickets in the limited overs series against Australia in January this year and also during the team’s tour of New Zealand.

“I was nervous when I was doing it for India because of the pressure from the crowd. If you’re wrong, people feel like you can’t replace MS Dhoni. The pressure to replace a legendary guardian like MSD was immense as it involved people that they were accepting someone else behind the stumps, “said Rahul.

Rahul, who has played 32 ODI and 42 T20I, said holding the wickets is no stranger to him as he puts on gloves during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and also when he plays for his side of Ranji Karnataka.

“People who follow cricket know that I haven’t been away from wicket maintenance for too long, as I put my gloves on at the IPL and every time I played for Karnataka,” said the 28-year-old.

“I am always in contact with wicket maintenance, but I am also someone who is more than willing to take on the role if the team needs it,” he emphasized.

Dhoni’s career is a matter of intense speculation. Many former players feel that it will not be easy for Dhoni to reach the national team for the next T20 World Cup, scheduled for Australia.