Maharashtra cricketer Rahul Tripathi is all set to make his international debut for Team India against Sri Lanka in the second T20I on Thursday, January 5 at his home ground, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson who played the first T20I has been ruled out of the series, due to a knee injury. Jitesh Sharma has been included in the squad in his absence. However, Samson’s injured has opened the doors for Rahul Tripathi’s debut.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a video announcing the right-handed batter’s international debut. Rahul Tripathi was handed over the India cap by batting coach Vikram Rathour. Sharing the video on Twitter, the BCCI wrote, “Congratulations to Rahul Tripathi who is all set to make his T20I debut for #TeamIndia #INDvSL @mastercardindia”
Congratulations to Rahul Tripathi who is all set to make his T20I debut for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳👏#INDvSL @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/VX1y83nOsD
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2023
Rahul Tripathi has been rewarded for his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League and domestic circuit. He played his first Indian Premier League season for the Rising Pune Supergiants, producing seven scores of over 30 in eight innings on the trot. The right-handed batter is currently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the 2022 season, he scored 413 runs at an average of 37.55 and a strike rate of 158.24.
Let’s take a look at how fans reacted to Rahul Tripathi making his international debut:
The wait is finally over! 😍
Congratulations @tripathirahul52 on making your #TeamIndia debut 🧡#RahulTripathi #INDvSL #OrangeArmy pic.twitter.com/bL37tBfQN1
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) January 5, 2023
Many congratulations to Rahul Tripathi for finally getting a chance. A well deserved opportunity for him.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 5, 2023
What a moment for him, the hard work and dedication. Rahul Tripathi 🤩 #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/pWQH2ZOIOe
— Worldofcricketmemes (@WOCricketmemes) January 5, 2023
The joy on Rahul Tripathi's face, lovely. https://t.co/B5LIorYFKK
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) January 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/PUS_17/status/1610985654489612294?s=20&t=oKnC0WAEaA82Qu21RL01lA
Congrats Rahul tripathi!
You deserve it king 💛🥳
— Arnav. (@CricEyeronic) January 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/MyFreakyTweets/status/1610985561959038976?s=20&t=oKnC0WAEaA82Qu21RL01lA
Couldn't happen to a more positive person. Der aaye, durust aaye… congratulations Rahul Tripathi. Hope you never lose that smile
— Sreshth Shah (@sreshthx) January 5, 2023
Delighted for Rahul Tripathi. Been with the team for a while now, finally gets a chance. Bats with good intent. Hope he bats at 3 though.
— Harshit Anand (@imHarshitAnand) January 5, 2023
Yesssss @rahultripathi is playing going to play for India 🏏🥳 #INDvSL
— Sunandan Lele (@sunandanlele) January 5, 2023
Arshdeep Singh replaces Harshal Patel in the Indian playing XI for the second T20I
Team India won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20I against Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Skipper Hardik Pandya expressed that dew might play a role in the game later. Pacer Arshdeep Singh replaced Harshal Patel in the team, along with Rahul Tripathi coming in for injured Sanju Samson. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has retained their XI from the first match. Heading into the second T20I, Team India is leading the three-match series 1-0.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
India (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan(w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya(c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
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