The superstar India National Cricket Team all-rounder Hardik Pandya handed the debut T20I cap to all-rounder Ramandeep Singh ahead of the third T20I against South Africa National Cricket Team.
Ramandeep Singh is making his debut for India National Cricket Team against South Africa on Wednesday, November 13, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
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Ramandeep Singh was picked in the India squad after heroics in the IPL
Ramandeep Singh was selected in the India T20I squad after his heroics in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as 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 picked 6 wickets with the ball.
Meanwhile, in the IPL 2024 season with the champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the best of Ramandeep Singh was witnessed with the bat.
He blasted 125 runs in 9 innings at a humongous strike rate of 201.61 and an average of 31.25. His role was a crucial one in the title-winning campaign of Kolkata Knight Riders, so the franchise has also retained him ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Ramandeep Singh receives debut cap from Hardik Pandya
Ahead of the third T20I of the India tour of South Africa 2024, VVS Laxman was seen handing over an India cap to Hardik Pandya, who presented it to Ramandeep Singh.
Ramandeep, being a fast-bowling all-rounder, will be the direct competition for Hardik Pandya as both players bring similar skills to the table.
Avesh Khan made way for Ramandeep in the India playing XI for the match against South Africa and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to X to state:
“Say hello. to the Debutant. A special moment for Ramandeep Singh as he receives his #TeamIndia Cap from @hardikpandya7.”
Say hello 👋 to the Debutant 😎
A special moment for Ramandeep Singh as he receives his #TeamIndia Cap 🧢 from @hardikpandya7 👏👏
Live – https://t.co/JBwOUChxmG#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/3TLzxQ16xu
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 13, 2024
Avesh has done well for us but one of the two bowlers had to make a sacrifice – Suryakumar Yadav
Speaking at the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav stated that he was fine with losing the toss as they were anyway looking to bat first.
He further revealed that they had to drop a faster bowler in Avesh Khan to make way for all-rounder Ramandeep in the playing XI. He elaborated:
“It is okay. We have done well in the last two games while batting first. The boys have come out with clear plans and are executing it, I have been really happy with that. Just be clear, go out and enjoy yourself (the message from him and the management).
“These boys have made my job easier. We have one change – Ramandeep makes his debut. Avesh has done well for us but one of the two bowlers had to make a sacrifice.”
Ramandeep Singh has overall played 57 T20 matches in his career. He has scored 544 runs at a strike rate of 170 and with the ball has bagged 16 wickets.
