India Beat South Africa in Final ODI to Win Series 2-1, KL Rahul Commneds the Young Team

India’s inexperienced cricket squad emerged victorious with a 2-1 one-day international series win against South Africa. Captain KL Rahul commended the young players for their resilience, emphasizing how they seized the opportunity presented to them.

The series reached its climax in Paarl, where India secured a decisive 76-run victory in the third match, propelled by an outstanding innings of 108 from Sanju Samson, who played an exceptional knock on the challenging slow wicket.

With both sides resting key players ahead of an upcoming two-test series, India took the opportunity to provide valuable exposure to several inexperienced players. Rahul acknowledged the initial nervousness among some players, opting to let them acclimate to the pressures of international cricket.

“It was good to see what everyone did; they showed fight throughout the series,” KL Rahul remarked. Recognizing the nerves among the inexperienced players, he allowed them the space to adapt, a decision that ultimately contributed to the team’s success.

Expressing happiness for Sanju Samson, Rahul said, “I am very happy for Sanju, he has been a great performer in the IPL (Indian Premier League) and unfortunately has not had enough chances near the top of the order for various reasons.”

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Rahul, who featured in the recent World Cup final loss against Australia, expressed the joy of returning to the cricket field and playing with a renewed spirit. He conveyed a simple yet powerful message to the players – “My message (to the players) is always to enjoy the game and each situation. Give your best and don’t worry so much about the result.”

“It is a young group. They have played a lot of cricket but not at the international level,” Rahul noted. The victory in South Africa served as a valuable experience for the young squad, showcasing their potential on the international stage.

Seamer Arshdeep Singh, named player of the series for his impressive 10-wicket haul, attributed the seamless transition from the IPL to international cricket. “The IPL has been a very good platform for us youngsters,” Singh stated, highlighting the minimal gap between IPL and international cricket.

Understanding the mindset of international cricketers, Singh expressed gratitude for the opportunities and enthusiasm within the team to give their best in the future.

As India celebrates this hard-fought series victory, the emergence of its young talents promises an exciting future for Indian cricket. The win in South Africa not only signifies the potential talent of the team but also underscores the seamless pathway from domestic leagues, such as the IPL, to international success.