IND vs SA: Rinku Singh To Make ODI Debut vs South Africa, Confirms KL Rahul

India National Cricket Team stand-in captain and wicketkeeper-batter, KL Rahul, has confirmed that the 26-year-old explosive batsman Rinku Singh will get an opportunity to play in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa National Cricket Team.

The young middle-order batsman Rinku Singh has represented the India National Cricket Team in 12 T20I matches and has scored 262 runs at an average of 65.50 and a strike rate of 180.68. Following his impressive performances in T20Is combined with his remarkable IPL and List-A record, the selection committee decided to give him a chance in the South Africa ODI series.

The India tour of South Africa 2023-24 consists of a three-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series, and a two-match Test series. The T20I series ended in a 1-1 draw as the first match was washed out due to rain.

Next, the teams are set to lock horns with each other in the ODI series which is set to commence on Sunday, December 17, at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Ahead of the match, KL Rahul addressed the media and he talked about a number of topics with one of them being the inclusion of Rinku Singh in the playing XI.

He will get his opportunity even in the ODI series – KL Rahul on Rinku Singh

When KL Rahul was asked if Rinku could fit in at No.6 in ODIs against South Africa, the India skipper responded:

“I think so. He’s obviously shown what a really good player he is. We all knew that he was very skilled watching him in the IPL.”

Rahul further lauded Rinku’s temperament and said that he will definitely get the opportunity in the ODI series against the Proteas.

“What has been good to see is the temperament and game awareness that he (Rinku) has shown in the T20I series. He has shown how good a player he has been. We have seen the calmness. That has been very refreshing for me to see as well on the television. He has performed really well across formats in first-class cricket. He will get his opportunity even in the ODI series,” Rahul said.

Rahul also opened up on his batting position in ODIs, saying that he will continue his duties as a wicket-keeper and will bat in the middle-order.

“I will be doing wicket-keeping & batting in middle order in this ODI series. I am happy to take any role in the Test series which the captain, the coach and the management wants. Of course, even in T20, I want to play for my country,” Rahul explained.