New star is making his debut in the third T20I between India and South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Wednesday, November 13.
Ramandeep Singh, who earned his place in Team India after a blistering performance in the IPL, is now set to take the field in his first international match against South Africa.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya handed over his debut cap to fellow all-rounder Ramandeep Singh.
Ramandeep Singh’s place in the Indian team ahead India vs South Africa T20
27-year-old Ramandeep Singh has been included in the team after showing great game in IPL 2024. Ramandeep made his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2022, although his performance at that time was nothing special. He did not contribute much with the bat but picked up 6 wickets with the ball.
But in 2024, while playing with Kolkata Knight Riders, he proved his skills in batting. In that season, he scored 125 runs in 9 innings and his strike rate was 201.61, which is considered very excellent in T20 cricket. He played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ success in the IPL.
After this performance, KKR has also retained him for IPL 2025, which can become a topic of discussion in the mega auction to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Ahead of the third T20I, Indian cricket team coach VVS Laxman gave the honour of handing over the debut cap to Hardik Pandya and he handed it over to Ramandeep Singh. It was a very special moment for him, which the BCCI shared on its social media platform “X.” BCCI wrote, “Say hello. Special moment for debutant Ramandeep Singh to receive the #TeamIndia cap from @hardikpandya7.”
Ramandeep Singh’s T20 record Ramandeep Singh has played 57 T20 matches so far in which he has scored 544 runs. His strike rate of 170 is quite impressive in T20 cricket. He has also picked up 16 wickets.
This ability and confidence gives him an opportunity to cement his place in the Indian team. Ramandeep’s debut could turn out to be a huge hope not only for him but also for Indian cricket, especially when the team needs to be even stronger in the big tournaments to come.
Can Hardik Pandya challenge Ramandeep Singh?
Ramandeep is also a fast-bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, so it will be interesting to see how he proves his place in the team. Both players have great skills with both bat and ball. This match between Hardik and Ramandeep can also prove to be an advantage for India as it gives more options to the team.
Suryakumar Yadav replaces Avesh Khan
India captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss that they have decided to bat first in this match, and this can prove to be a right strategy for the team.
Talking about the changes in the team, Suryakumar said that fast bowler Avesh Khan has been dropped and Ramandeep has been given a chance. “We have done well in the last two games. Our players have played with a clear strategy and they are executing it in the best possible way. That’s the message from me and the management – just stay clean, go out and enjoy yourself.”
On the other hand, the return of Mohammed Shami in this tour is also a topic of discussion. Recently, Shami’s performance for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looked a bit weak. Expectations were high about his return, but the team management may now be in a position to explore other options.
The entry of new players like Ramandeep and young talent is infusing a new energy in the Indian team. Team India’s young brigade is now fully prepared and this time the T20 season is also going to be very exciting and challenging.
So it remains to be seen how Ramandeep Singh takes this new beginning forward and succeeds in establishing himself in the Indian team.
