After the completion of the T20I series between India and South Africa, the ODI series is about to get underway. The first ODI between these two sides will be played on 17th December 2023 and we can expect the two sides to play an enthralling brand of cricket.
KL Rahul is the stand-in-skipper of India and has been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding India to a series victory. A series victory in the challenging conditions of South Africa would prove a lot of relief for the Indian cricket team fans, especially after the heartbreaking ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final loss at the hands of Australia.
Ahead of the 1st ODI, KL Rahul spoke at lengths about Rinku Singh and whether he could feature in the 1st ODI versus South Africa at Johannesburg.
“He (Rinku Singh) has shown what a really good player he is. Watching him in the IPL, we all knew that he’s very skilled. But what’s been really 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,” said KL Rahul at the pre-match press conference ahead of the 1st ODI.
“I just spoke to him about that as well. He has performed really well across formats in first-class cricket. So, yes, he will get his opportunity even in the ODI series,” he further added.
KL Rahul also shed light on Sanju Samson’s place in the team
Skipper KL Rahul made it clear that Sanju Samson will be getting an opportunity in the upcoming 3-match ODI series versus South Africa. Samson has always lacked sufficient opportunities at the highest form of cricket and this opportunity should be a golden opportunity for him to showcase his skills.
“Sanju will bat in the middle order. He has been given this role in one-day internationals. He will bat at No.5 or 6. For now I will be donning the wicket-keeping gloves, but if there is an opportunity, he will keep the wickets at some point in the series,” Rahul said.
Notably, Sanju Samson has a terrific average of 55.7 in ODIs. He has played 13 ODIs so far and has amassed 390 runs. He has notched up 3 fifties so far in ODIs and would be looking to leave a lasting impression in the upcoming ODI series versus the Proteas.
Also read: Most Powerful Mumbai Indians (MI) Playing XI in IPL History
