Team India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul shared that talented left-handed batter Rinku Singh will make his ODI debut during the upcoming three-match series against South Africa. Rahul shared how Rinku has made the most of his chances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as in T20Is.

Lauding him for showcasing stunning composure in the finisher’s role, Rahul said in the pre-series press conference: “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. 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.”

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Rinku Singh earned his maiden ODI call-up after he was added to the team for the upcoming series in South Africa. He was in stunning form during the recently concluded three-match T20I series against the Proteas, scoring 82 runs from two innings. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson also returned to India’s ODI squad for the South Africa tour. Speaking about his role in the side, KL Rahul confirmed that Samson will play as a middle-order batter as well.

“Sanju Samson will bat in the middle order. That’s the role he’s played whenever he’s played ODI cricket. He will bat at either five or six. For now, I am going to be wicketkeeping in this series, but if there is an opportunity for Sanju to keep, he will keep at some point,” KL Rahul concluded. “I saw a few games in the IPL and he looks like a terrific batsman. He has a lot of time and plays spin and pace really well. I am sure he is also very happy to be here and eager to get his opportunity.”