KL Rahul on Thursday became only the second Indian captain to win an ODI series against South Africa, joining Virat Kohli on the elite list. India defeated South Africa by 78 runs in the series decider at the Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday to end the series 2-1. Sanju Samson hit a maiden international century and smashed 108 runs with the help of six fours and three sixes. While Samson's performance in the third and final ODI stood out, the introduction of young batsman Sai Sudharsan into international cricket was another positive for the Indian team.
Sudharsan scored back-to-back half-centuries in the first two matches to impress everyone. He also took a stunning catch in the third ODI and was named “Impact Fielder Of the Series” by India's fielding coach for his effort.
However, India fielding coach Ajay Ratra revealed that it was captain KL Rahul, who took six catches in three matches, who decided to award the award to the youngster.
The announcement sparked huge celebrations in the Indian dressing room.
“There were a few notable catches during the series. In total we took twelve catches during the series, of which KL Rahul took six. Samson took two – one as a wicketkeeper and the other as a fielder. And Sai took a brilliant catch today. It was a tight decision between KL and Sai. I have always been tempted to give the award to a wicketkeeper, but KL was generous enough to give the award to Sai,” Ratra said in a video posted on BCCI.tv was uploaded.
Rahul achieved another huge feat on Thursday as he became the only second wicketkeeper from India to score 1,000 runs in ODI cricket in a calendar year.
In 27 ODIs this year, KL has scored 1,060 runs at an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 87.74. He scored two centuries and seven fifties this year, with his best score being 111*.
16 years ago, the legendary MS Dhoni had become the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this milestone.
In 2007, Dhoni scored 1,103 runs in 33 ODI innings across 37 matches at an average of 44.12, with a century and seven fifties. In 2008, Dhoni scored 1,097 runs at an average of 57.73, with a century and eight fifties.
2009 was Dhoni's best year with the bat, scoring 1,198 runs at an average of 70.47, with two centuries and nine fifties. His best score was 124.
(With PTI inputs)
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