Rahul: 'We love playing under Virat'

K. L. Rahul said that the team is lucky to not only have have a young leader like Virat Kohli, but also M.S. Dhoni, who not only guides the current Indian skipper but also the youngsters.

K. L. Rahul said that the team looks up to Virat Kohli on how the Indian skipper builds his innings, uses his energies, and his enthusiasm and passion on the field.

Opener K. L. Rahul smiled when asked about England pacer Jake Ball might treat India captain Virat Kohli with some short stuff in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium.

“Good luck to them,” quipped Rahul, at a press conference on the eve of the match on Wednesday.

Rahul went on to speak about his captain's ability as a prolific run-scorer. “He has so many runs under his belt. Lot of runs came off short bowling. Not all of us worry about short balls. We like to make runs off short delivers. Knowing him, watched him score so many centuries, I don't think it will be a problem,” said Rahul.

Rahul also spoke about Kohli's aggressive leadership and his influence. “It's just been one game for now but for the guys who are part of the Test teams know how aggressive he is as a captain. We love playing under Virat. He always supported me and it's good to have a young leader and also to have M.S. (Dhoni) in the team, who not only guides Virat as a skipper but also the youngsters. It's good to have both of them in the team.

“Virat has led by example so many times. We just look up to him, how he builds his innings, his energies, the kind of enthusiasm and passion on the field. It spreads on all of us. Yes we learn a lot from him. He's somebody who is not just looking to put great performances individually but take the team forward.

“He is always sharing experiences, giving us feedbacks on how we could have done better, that's sign of a good leader.”

The soft-spoken Karnataka player spoke on the healthy competitions among the players for places in the playing XI. “The competition keeps us going and motivated. We know there are other guys who are capable enough. That's what wakes me up in the morning and train harder everyday, turn up at the practice everyday and work harder... It's a good place to be in. We love the competition in team. We take it in a positive way. try to remain positive on our work ethics.”