KL Rahul likely to lead India against New Zealand in T20I series

India are on a virtual exit mode after two massive back to back losses in the T20I world cup.  After losses to Pakistan and New Zealand, India will play Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia to keep themselves alive in the event though a semi-final spot now looks all but over. 

With India’s world cup campaign almost coming to an end, BCCI has apparently started thinking ahead and the next focus is on the home series against New Zealand. India will play 2 tests and 3 T20I match series vs New Zealand immediately after the World cup. The T20Is will be played on 17, 19 and 21st November at Jaipur, Ranchi and Kolkata respectively.

Due to bio-bubble fatigue, the BCCI is already contemplating resting many of the senior players from the New Zealand T20Is. Virat Kohli is going to quit T20I captaincy after the world cup and Rohit Sharma, the next captain in line will be rested in all likelihood for the New Zealand T20Is which will open the doors for KL Rahul to lead India in the 3 match series.

However, team India will be looking to move on from the terrible performance in the t20 World Cup. They already have a tight schedule after the conclusion of the gala tournament. New Zealand will be touring India in November.

Moreover, there will be t20 series and a Test series between the two cricketing nations. India and New Zealand will play three t20 matches and two test matches against each other in November.

However, many senior players are expected to get rest for the t20 series due to a busy schedule. The Indian players have been constantly playing match after match for a long time. And this has been going on for months since the Australia tour.

Rahul has been the captain of Punjab kings in the last two years and with both the senior batsmen poised to take a break, he remains the next incumbent to lead the side.

The team is also expected to be picked from the players who did well in the latest IPL.  Hence Ruturaj Gaekwad, Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel & Devdutt Paddikal to name a few will be in line for selection in the forthcoming New Zealand T20I series.