Indian National Cricket Team stand-in captain and wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul has confirmed that 26-year-old explosive batsman Rinku Singh will get a chance to play in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the National Cricket Team from South Africa.
Young middle-order batsman Rinku Singh has represented the Indian 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 record in IPL and List A, the selection committee decided to give him a chance in the ODI series in South Africa.
India’s 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 canceled due to rain.
The teams will then face each other in the ODI series starting on Sunday, December 17 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Before the match, KL Rahul addressed the media and spoke on various issues, one of which was the inclusion of Rinku Singh in the playing XI.
Will get his chance even in ODI series – KL Rahul on Rinku Singh
When KL Rahul was asked if Rinku could fit in at number 6 in ODIs against South Africa, the India captain replied:
“I think so. He’s obviously shown what a very good player he is. We all knew he was very skilled watching him in the IPL.”
Rahul further praised Rinku’s temperament and said that he will definitely get a chance 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 what a good player he has been. We have seen the tranquility. It’s been very refreshing for me to see it on TV as well. He has performed very well in all formats of first-class cricket. He will get a chance from him even in the ODI series,” Rahul said.
Rahul also spoke about his batting position in ODIs and said that he will continue his duties as a wicketkeeper and will bat in the middle order.
“I will keep wickets and bat in the middle order in this ODI series. I am happy to take on any role in the Test series that the captain, coach and management want. Of course, even in T20 I want to play for my country,” Rahul explained.