IND v NZ 2021: KL Rahul plays down pollution concerns; Dravid oversees first net session as full-time head coach

India and New Zealand will play in the 1st T20I on November 17.

By Saurabh Malhotra - 15 Nov, 2021

Newly appointed vice-captain of India's T20I team, KL Rahul on Monday (November 15) played down the concerns about rising air pollution levels in Jaipur ahead of the 1st T20I on Wednesday.

Like Delhi, Jaipur's air quality has also deteriorated in the last few weeks, as the 'pink city' reported very poor AQI levels on Saturday, with smog developing on Monday morning.

"Actually, we haven't stepped out yet. We just reached the stadium so I don't know, I don't have an answer to that. I am not carrying a metre with me in my hand to say how bad the pollution is.

"I am sure it won't be that bad. We all are here to play cricket," Rahul said during his virtual press conference.

READ ALSO: Opportunity for everyone to learn, KL Rahul looking forward to work with Rahul Dravid

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid oversaw his first training session after being appointed full-time head coach of the Indian team. He had also taken over the coaching role when a young Indian side toured Sri Lanka for a limited overs tour in July with most of the regulars away in England preparing for the Test series.

New T20I captain Rohit Sharma was also present at the training session along with rest of the team members and the support staff. The team had completed their three-day quarantine prior to being allowed to practice.

New Zealand also arrived in Jaipur on Monday after suffering a heart-breaking defeat in the T20 World Cup final against Australia a day before.

India and New Zealand will take on each other in three T20Is and two Tests from November 17 to December 7.

(With PTI inputs)

By Saurabh Malhotra - 15 Nov, 2021

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