Team India’s stand-in skipper KL Rahul confirmed that Rinku Singh will be making his ODI debut in the upcoming series against South Africa. The three-match series is set to kick off on Sunday, December 17 at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Rinku Singh pulled off an impressive performance in the T20I series against South Africa recently. He played a crucial role in batting lower down the order for India. In two matches, he scored 82 runs at a strike rate of 167.34, including a fifty, his maiden in International cricket. Ahead of the ODI series, KL Rahul acknowledged Rinku Singh’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as in T20Is.
“He (Rinku Singh) has shown what a really good player he is. Watching him in the IPL, we all knew that he is very skilled. But what’s been good is the temperament he has shown in the T20I series and the game awareness and calmness that he has shown under pressure. That has been very refreshing for me to see on television. I just spoke to him about that as well. He has performed well across formats in first-class cricket. So, yes, he will get his opportunity even in the ODI series,” said the KL Rahul.
Sanju Samson will bat in the middle order: KL Rahul
Sanju Samson has returned to the Indian squad for the ODI series against South Africa. KL Rahul confirmed that Samson will bat in the middle-order. However, the stand-in skipper, himself, will keep the wickets. KL Rahul said at the pre-match press conference,
“Sanju Samson will bat in the middle order. That’s the role he’s played whenever he’s played ODI cricket. He will bat at either five or six. For now, I am going to be wicketkeeping in this series, but if there is an opportunity for Sanju to keep, he will keep at some point.”
KL Rahul also showered praise on Sai Sudarshan, who received his maiden India call-up for the tour. He expressed that Sudarshan is a terrific batter, and will be eager to get an opportunity. He said,
“I saw a few games in the IPL and he looks like a terrific batsman. He has a lot of time and plays spin and pace well. I am sure he is also very happy to be here and eager to get his opportunity.”
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