‘He's very skilled’ KL Rahul endorses Rinku Singh for potential ODI debut in South Africa series

The ODIs will follow the thrilling T20I series between India and South Africa.  The 3 match ODI  series is an interesting one after the T20I series concluded in a 1-1 draw. Today is the first One-Day International between the two titans. The inaugural one-day international will be held on December 17 at Johannesburg's New Wanderers Stadium. Aiden Markram leads the home team, while KL Rahul leads India in ODIs. Both sides will have new players, which will add to the excitement.

3 things you need to know

• India vs South Africa 1st ODI will be played today 
• The T20I series ended in a draw 
• India is ranked 1st in terms of ICC ODI rankings 

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KL Rahul anticipates Rinku Singh’s ODI debut vs SA

India captain KL Rahul voiced faith in Rinku Singh, saying the left-handed batsman would be given a chance to make his debut in the next ODI series against South Africa. Rahul, speaking before the first ODI in Johannesburg, hailed Rinku's batting, calling it a “refreshing spectacle.”

Rinku Singh has been in outstanding form after making his T20I debut at the Asian Games 2023. His best effort was his maiden T20I half-century against South Africa in the just finished series. Notably, he played an important finishing role and showed outstanding maturity by stabilising the squad after a mini-collapse in the second T20I against South Africa in Gqeberha.

Rahul praised the left-hander's batting abilities and said that he has addressed it with the player. This endorsement from the skipper highlights Rinku Singh's excellent potential as he prepares to make his ODI debut. Speaking about Rinki Singh in pre-match press conference, Rinku Singh said: 

"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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India will be seen in action against South Africa in ODI without many senior players 

Due to the unavailability of four veteran players, India will field a young lineup in the ODI series against South Africa. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah will miss the three-match ODI series but are likely to return before the Test series begins. This decision was made in light of India's previous T20I series, which ended in a 1-1 tie. The squad intends to face the ODI challenge with a new lineup, demonstrating the depth of skill on the Indian cricket roster.