(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] After the final loss in the World Cup 2023, Team India will kickstart their journey in a new ODI cycle from the three-match series versus South Africa, starting December 17 in Johannesburg.
With Rohit Sharma rested, captaincy duties have been handed to KL Rahul for the series.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who was snubbed for the recently-concluded World Cup, has found his place back in the ODI side. He is expected to feature in the XI.
When asked about Samson’s role, Rahul revealed that the former would play as a finisher while batting at no.5 or 6 position in the upcoming series.
“Sanju will bat in the middle order and that’s the role that he’s played whenever he’s played ODI cricket. He will bat at either five or six and he will play that role. For now, I’m going to do wicketkeeping in the series but there’s an opportunity for Sanju to keep. He will keep at some point,” Rahul said as quoted on the eve of the series-opener.
Rinku Singh, who is coming off a remarkable T20I series with the bat, could also get an opportunity to make his debut in the ODI format as Rahul praised his calmness and game awareness.
“Yeah I think so obviously, he’s shown what a really good player he is. We all knew by watching him in the IPL that he’s really skilled but what’s been really good to see is the temperament he’s shown in the T20I series. The game awareness, the calmness that he’s shown under pressure so that’s something that’s been very refreshing to see for me also on the television and I just spoke to him about that as well. Yes, even in the ODI format as well, he’s performed really well across formats in first-class cricket. Yes, he will get his opportunity even in the ODI series,” Rahul added.