NEW DELHI: A selection dilemma looms over the choice between the immensely gifted Rajat Patidar and flamboyant Rinku Singh for the lone available batting slot as India prepare for the second ODI against South Africa.
After a convincing eight-wicket victory in the opening game led by young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, Team India aims to maintain its dominance under KL Rahul's leadership.
With Shreyas Iyer joining the Test squad, a debut ODI cap is up for grabs, and the battle for the batting spot intensifies between left-hander Rinku Singh and right-hander Rajat Patidar.
While Rinku is emerging as a finisher at No. 6, Patidar, a specialist No. 4, appears as a like-for-like replacement for Iyer.
The team management might opt for continuity and give Sanju Samson, playing as a specialist batter at No. 6, a fair chance before considering Rinku Singh. However, Rinku's impressive List A record may influence the decision.
In the opening game, young left-handed opener B Sai Sudharsan made a promising debut with a silken half-century, adding depth to India's batting.
For South Africa, the series serves as a significant white-ball test in the post-Quinton de Kock era. India's fringe pacers exposed vulnerabilities in the South African batting lineup in the first game, and the hosts will need an improved performance in the second day/night encounter.
While the bowling department is likely to remain unchanged after Arshdeep and Avesh's impressive show, there might be a slight tweak with the inclusion of Akash Deep in place of Mukesh Kumar, who struggled in the first game.
1/10:Sai Sudarshan - India's latest batting sensation
AFP
2/10:International Debut Brilliance
<p>Sai Sudharsan marked a stellar international debut for India in the first ODI against South Africa, smashing a match-winning half-century of 55 off 43 balls in challenging overseas conditions.<br /></p>Reuters
3/10:Composure Against Proteas Bowling
<p>Despite facing a formidable Proteas bowling lineup, Sudharsan displayed composure and skill, showcasing his ability to handle pressure.<br /></p>AFP
4/10:TNPL Success
<p>Sudharsan's journey began with standout performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, where he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer in 2021 and continued to excel in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.<br /></p>TOI Sports
5/10:IPL Impact
<p>Recognized for his TNPL success, Sudharsan secured an IPL contract with Gujarat Titans, making an immediate impact with 145 runs in his debut season and further impressing in 2023 with 362 runs, including a memorable 96 in the final.<br /></p>Getty Images
6/10:Ranji Trophy Debut
<p>In his debut season of the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy, Sudharsan showcased his prowess in the longer format, accumulating 572 runs at an average of 47.66, with two centuries and a fifty in 12 innings.<br /></p>TOI Sports
7/10:India 'A' Call-up
<p>Sudharsan earned a maiden call-up to the India 'A' team for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, where he smashed a century against Pakistan and finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer with a total of 220 runs.<br /></p>AFP
8/10:County Stint with Surrey
<p>Venturing into English conditions, Sudharsan had a successful county stint with Surrey, contributing to their Division One Championship title with valuable game time and impressive performances.<br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:Consistent Records
<p>Sudharsan's overall performance reflects consistency, with prolific records in first-class cricket (843 runs in 12 matches), List-A cricket (1,354 runs in 26 matches), and T20Is (976 runs at an average of 37.53).<br /></p>Reuters
10/10:Fulfillment of India Dream
<p>Expressing gratitude for the journey, Sudharsan emphasized the hard work and dedication that went into realizing his dream of representing India, epitomizing determination and excellence in his cricketing journey.<br /></p>ANIIn the spin department, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, not part of the Test squad, will be eager to contribute in ODIs, making it unlikely for them to rest voluntarily. Yuzvendra Chahal might have to wait for his chance in the only format he has been selected for.
The second ODI promises an exciting clash as India aim to secure the series with another victory over South Africa.
Squads:
India: KL Rahul (captain and wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Rinku Singh, Akash Deep, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Bartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Kyle Verreynne.
Match Starts: 4:30 pm IST.
(With inputs from PTI)
