India’s interim skipper KL Rahul became only the second captain, after Virat Kohli in 2018 – to win an ODI series in South Africa as India thrashed the hosts in the 3rd ODI on Thursday by 78 runs in Paarl.
After the series, the coaches continued the tradition of the best fielder from the World Cup. While in the World Cup, the fielding coach gave the best fielder after each of India’s games, now it is handed after every series.
With T Dilip being with the Test players, Ajay Ratra was the fielding coach of the Indian team for this ODI series. In a video shared by the BCCI, Ratra revealed that KL Rahul, the wicket-keeper, had asked him generously to give this impact fielder medal to young Sai Sudharsan for his stunning catch in the 3rd ODI of Heinrich Klaasen.
Klaasen was dismissed by Avesh Khan as he got his timing wrong on his chip shot. But the credit of the dismissal should go as much to Sai Sudharsan as to Avesh. Sudharsan made an athletic dive at mid-off, stretching every limb of his hands to get under the ball and pouch a terrific catch, inarguably the best catch of this series.
KL Rahul makes a selfless act for Sai Sudharsan
KL Rahul was so impressed with the youngster that he asked Ajay Ratra to give Saudharsan the best fielder medal.
The BCCI uploaded the video; you can watch it from here:
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A 2⃣-1⃣ ODI series win in South Africa 🏆👌
Any guesses on who won the Impact fielder of the series medal? 🏅😎
WATCH 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | #SAvINDhttps://t.co/z92KREno0C
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 22, 2023
Sai Sudharsan was impressive in his debut ODI series. The young left-handed opener recorded two fifties in his first two innings. Sanju Samson left a huge impression on the selectors and fans with a brilliant century in the 3rd ODI in Paarl, while Arshdeep Singh was the Player of the Series for taking 10 wickets.
KL Rahul heaped praise on these young and fringe players who performed well in the ODI series.
Rahul said: “They’re great cricketers but few of them haven’t played internationally so it’s about giving them some time to adjust. It’s about making their roles clear and they all gave their 100% so nothing more I can ask. Sanju has been a phenomenal performer in the IPL, unfortunately hasn’t got a lot of chances at the top of the order for various reasons but nice to see him do well today.”
