SA vs IND: ‘Sanju Samson Will Bat In Middle Order,’ Confirms KL Rahul Ahead Of Three-Match ODI Series
New Delhi: India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul has confirmed that Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Sanju Samson will bat in the middle order (5 or 6) during the India vs South Africa three-match ODI series which is going to start from December 17 to 21. Rahul confirmed the news during the pre-match conference; he also stated that he will be doing wicket-keeping and batting in the middle order in this ODI series.
Team India is currently in South Africa for the all-format tour, which kicked off with a drawn T20I series. Suryakumar Yadav-led young side levelled the 20-over format series by 1-1 against Aiden Markram-led side. Now the focus is shifted to the 50-over format, where KL Rahul will lead the side. The Indian side will play their first ODI match on Sunday in Johannesburg.
The right-handed batter Samson made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in July 2021. The RR skipper has played 13 matches till now and has amassed 390 runs in a stunning performance of 55.71 at a strike rate of 104. His highest score in the 50-over format is 86 runs.
However, wicketkeeper Samson had a good run in ODI cricket in 2022. In 10 matches, he smashed 284 runs at an outstanding average of 71.00 with a strike rate of 105.57, including two half-centuries. His highest score was an 86* run against South Africa in Lucknow.
“Sanju Samson will bat in the middle order — 5 or 6,” KL Rahul said during the pre-match conference.
“I will be doing Wicket-keeping & batting in middle order in this ODI series – happy to take any role in the Test series which captain & management wants (talking about keeping role) – of course, even in T20, I want to play for my country,” Rahul said.
The Indian stand-in skipper also confirmed that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star player Rinku Singh will get the opportunities in the upcoming ODI series.
“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.
KL Rahul confirms Rinku Singh will get the opportunity in the ODI series. pic.twitter.com/pw2nEmMGZr
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 16, 2023
India’s regular ODI skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli have been rested for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour.
The ODI squad features promising youngsters such as Rinku Singh, Sai Sudarshan, Sanju Samson, and Rajat Patidar.
Squads:
India squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Akshar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep
South Africa Squad: Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Wiaan Mulder, Ottniel Baartman, Mihlali Mpongwana, Kyle Verreynne