KL Rahul to captain India in T20I series against New Zealand - Reports

India opener KL Rahul is likely to lead the team in the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand. Keeping in mind that Indian players have been in constant bubbles for the last year or so, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are most likely to rest a few senior players for the T2OI series, which gets underway on November 17, to keep them fresh for the following two-match Test series.

According to a source in know, Rahul is the front runner to get the leadership role in the absence of Rohit, the probable candidate to take over T20I leadership from Virat Kohli.

"The seniors would need a breather and it is no secret that Rahul is an integral part of the team's T20 structure. He is almost certain to lead," The New Indian Express quoted the source in the know.

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah had also talked about the players being in constant bubbles for the last year and so and the need for a break, post India's defeat to New Zealand in the 20-20 World Cup.

"Sometimes you need a break. You miss your family sometimes. You've been on the road for six months. So all of that sometimes play on the back of your mind. But when you're on the field, you don't think of all those things. You don't control a lot of things, how the scheduling goes on or what tournament is played when," the pacer had said.

Meanwhile, the series may also see fans return to the stadiums for the first time since India's home series against England. "Yes, we will have fans coming in, but it won't be full capacity. We will work closely with the local authorities and plan the way forward," a BCCI official said.