SA vs IND 2023: I would thank KL Rahul bhai as he said you have to come back and get that fifer – Arshdeep Singh after magical spell

India’s rising star Arshdeep Singh expressed his gratitude to skipper KL Rahul and the team management for backing him after his magical spell against South Africa in the first ODI at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Sunday.

Singh returned with his maiden five-wicket haul (5-37) in his quota of 10 overs and thus played an instrumental role in skittling out the Proteas at 116 after Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bat first.

Singh had gone wicketless in his first three ODIs but struck twice in his first over against the hosts, removing Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen on successive balls. The left-arm seamer then produced Tony de Zarzi’s top edge whereas his incoming delivery kissed Heinrich Klaasen’s leg-stump.

After bowling six overs on the trot, Singh was given a break but his skipper had already given him a message ‘that you have to come back and get your five-wicket haul’. Singh then plumbed Andile Phehlukwayo in front of the wickets to complete his maiden five-wicket haul.

Singh was awarded the Player of the Match after India registered a convincing win of eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Arshdeep Singh said in the post-match presentation, “I feel little sore. Loving this moment. Thank God and the team management. It is a little different than normal grounds as I was running out of breath. Personally, it feels good, I am enjoying my role. I would thank KL Rahul bhai as he said you have to come back and get that fifer. I guess it is about enjoying this moment. (On the upcoming matches) When we go there, then focus on what will work there.”

Furthermore, Avesh Khan gave great support to Singh, taking 4-27, which are his best bowling figures in ODIs.

Sai Sudharsan, making his ODI debut, scored a fifty and became the 17th Indian batter to score a half-century in his maiden ODI innings. Shreyas Iyer continued to impress as he scored 52 runs.

The second ODI between India and South Africa will be played at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday.