Robin Uthappa strictly tells Suryakumar Yadav to unleash 'Hardik Pandya-like player' in SA T20Is

Ramandeep Singh has grabbed the spotlight after he was named in India’s squad for the ongoing four-match T20I series against South Africa. However, the all-rounder didn’t make the playing XI for the opening game, but his inclusion is sparking waves of excitement among fans and cricket experts.

Now, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has hailed Ramandeep Singh as one of the most electrifying new talents in Indian cricket, having been impressed by his IPL and domestic cricket showings, raising expectations for his potential debut on the ongoing tour of South Africa.

Robin Uthappa hails Ramandeep Singh as one of India’s most exciting new talents

With a powerful performance history in the IPL, Ramandeep has demonstrated his versatility as a solid finisher, making runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 200 and impressing with both his fielding prowess and useful contributions with the ball.

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Recently, Robin Uthappa recalled the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star’s stunning performance for India A in Oman, hinting at his readiness to bring fresh energy to the Indian cricket team in white-ball format. He is really excited to see Ramandeep in national colors.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Uthappa said, “I would love for him to play. I think he is one of the most exciting prospects we have seen in the recent past. He is a handy all-rounder; his performances in the IPL have been second to none. As a finisher, he's played 62 balls, scored 125 runs, has fielded incredibly well, and bowled when he is asked too.

If you are striking at 200 and you are fielding as well as Ramandeep does, and we have seen more of that when he played for India A in the recently concluded series in Oman. So, I am really excited to see him play.”

India’s middle-order could be transformed with Ramandeep Singh and Hardik Pandya: Robin Uthappa

He believes that the young all-rounder's skillset will really complement Hardik Pandya, be it finishing power, brilliant fielding, or the ability to step in with the ball when needed.

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Robin Uthappa urged the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, to give Ramandeep Singh a shot in the Indian lineup, especially with his current momentum and rising confidence.

If he steps into the international arena with the same vigor he's shown so far, Ramandeep could redefine India’s middle-order firepower and establish an all-round partnership with Hardik Pandya, and that would be invaluable for the Indian cricket team, according to the cricket pandit.

'Ramandeep can be India's next gold'

He signed off by saying, “In KKR, he has really come out there, and he's come into his own perhaps, and he is oozing confidence. So, you want someone like that when things are going well, confidence is going high, and you want to blood them in. If you can blood someone like him, then you get two all-rounders in the likes of him and Hardik Pandya, which is gold to Indian cricket at this point in time.”

Notably, India is already leading the ongoing T20I series 1-0, with the second T20I match scheduled for Sunday, November 10, at St George's Park in Gqeberha.