Superstar Indian National Cricket Team all-rounder Hardik Pandya handed his debut T20I cap to all-rounder Ramandeep Singh ahead of the third T20I against South African National Cricket Team.
Ramandeep Singh makes his debut for the Indian National Cricket Team against South Africa on Wednesday 13 November at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
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Ramandeep Singh was selected for the Indian team after his heroics in the IPL
Ramandeep Singh has been named in the Indian T20I squad after his heroics in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket.
The 27-year-old fast bowling all-rounder has played for two teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In his debut season for Mumbai Indians in 2022, he was not very impressive with the bat but scored 6 with the ball.
Meanwhile, the IPL 2024 season witnessed Ramandeep Singh’s best with the bat with the champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
He scored 125 runs in 9 innings at 201.61 and a strike rate of 31.25. His role was crucial in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign, which is why the franchise retained him ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Ramandeep Singh takes the debut cap from Hardik Pandya
Ahead of the third T20I of the India tour of South Africa 2024, VVS Laxman was seen handing over his India cap to Hardik Pandya who presented it to Ramandeep Singh.
Ramandeep being a fast bowling all-rounder will be direct competition for Hardik Pandya as both the players bring similar skills to the table.
Avesh Khan gave way to India’s 11th for Ramandeep for the match against South Africa and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in an appeal to X:
“Say hello to the debutant. A special moment for Ramandeep Singh as he receives the #TeamIndia Cap from @hardikpandya7.”
Say hello to the debutante
A special moment for Ramandeep Singh #TeamIndia Cover from
@hardikpandya7
Live – https://t.co/JBwOUChxmG#SAVIN pic.twitter.com/3TLzxQ16xu
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 13, 2024
Avesh did well for us but one of the two bowlers had to make a sacrifice – Suryakumar Yadav
Speaking at the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said it was okay to lose the toss as they wanted to bat first anyway.
He then revealed that they had to throw a faster bowler in Avesh Khan to make way for the all-rounder Ramandeep in the 11th over. He elaborated:
“It’s nothing good. We’ve done well in the last two games batting first. The boys have come out with clear plans and they’re executing them, I’m very happy with that. Just be open, go out and enjoy yourself (a message from him and management).
“These guys made it easy for me. We have one change – Ramandeep made his debut. Avesh did well for us but one of the two bowlers had to make a sacrifice.”
Ramandeep Singh played a total of 57 T20 matches in his career. He scored 544 runs at a strike rate of 170 and took 16 wickets with the ball.
