KL Rahul gives a definite response about Sanju Samson's role in team, hints at Rinku Singh's debut

After emerging onto the scene on the back of a successful IPL 2023 season, Rinku Singh has been able to showcase his talent in whatever limited opportunities he has been given. Subsequently, he is set to make his ODI debut soon. Rinku is currently a part of India's squad that is touring South Africa.

3 things you need to know

• India vs South Africa 1st ODI will take place on December 17, 2023
• The T20 series ended in a 1-1 stalemate
• The ODI series will feature 3 matches

Also Read | IPL 2024: Former CSK and India batsman stirs the pot, hints at Rohit Sharma joining MS Dhoni at CSK

KL Rahul confirms Rinku Singh will get the opportunity in the ODI series against South Africa

Impressed with his performance in the T20 series, KL Rahul, who will lead India in the 3-match ODI series against South Africa, starting from December 17, 2023, has made it known that Rinku Singh will get the opportunity in the upcoming series. Rahul disseminated the information on the eve of the 1st ODI between India and South Africa.

“What has been good to see is the temperament and game awareness that he (Rinku Singh) 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 during the pre-match presser.

Ever since he has made his way into the international scene, Rinku Singh has been hailed as the right fit for the finisher's role in the squad. Which has invited comparisons with stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. In the T20I series against South Africa, Singh scored an exceptional innings of 68 in the 2nd T20I. Through the innings, the world of cricket again became the testament of his big-hitting prowess, as he even broke the glass of a window of a ground facility. Hence, with all that he is exhibited, it would be intriguing to see how he fares in the 50-over format.

Also Read | 'I find it quite strange': De Villiers makes feelings clear on Hardik replacing Rohit as MI captain

Sanju Samson to get opportunity but will not keep wickets

Besides Rinku Singh, one more promising individual, who is expected to get a call-up in the playing XI is Sanju Samson. Samson has endured a long excruciating spell of in and out from the squad, and the series against South Africa is touted as his final shot at redemption.

“Sanju will bat in the middle order. That is the role he has played whenever he has played ODI cricket. He will bat at No. 5 or 6. For now I am going to keep wickets, but if there is an opportunity for him in that role, he will definitely at some point in the series,” he said.