Team India displayed yet another impressive performance to conclude their successful white-ball campaign in South Africa. Despite missing key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, the KL Rahul-led squad managed to secure a 2-1 series victory over South Africa, who had several of their World Cup-squad members in the lineup.
Sanju Samson marked his first international century, eight years after his debut, while Arshdeep Singh’s exceptional bowling led to a four-wicket haul, guiding the Men in Blue to a resounding 78-run victory in the series decider at Boland Park in Paarl. Notably, Rahul joined the elite rank as only the second Indian captain to clinch an ODI series win in South Africa, following Kohli’s footsteps.
Beyond Samson’s remarkable innings and Arshdeep’s bowling brilliance, a lighthearted moment from the third ODI gained widespread attention on social media. During South Africa’s second innings with the team struggling at 177 for six in 33.2 overs, all-rounder Keshav Maharaj came in to bat, and the stadium speakers started playing the song ‘Ram Siya Ram’.
Rahul, who was keeping wickets, humorously pointed out to Maharaj that the song seemed to accompany his every batting entrance, to which Maharaj amusingly nodded in agreement, leading to a smile from Rahul.
In the batting department, India faced early setbacks losing debutant Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsna within the powerplay, but Samson anchored the innings first with skipper KL Rahul and then with young Tilak Varma, ultimately reaching his maiden ODI century after a prolonged wait. Samson’s effort guided India to a competitive total of 296 for eight in 50 overs.
Hahahahha….Rahul- "Keshav bhai, every time you come, they play this song (Ram Siya Ram) 🤍🤍🤍 pic.twitter.com/79NtNEbomk
— tea_addict 🇮🇳 (@on_drive23) December 21, 2023
In reply, despite Tony de Zorzi’s valiant effort with 81 runs off 87 balls, the South African opener lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Arshdeep’s crucial intervention, dismissing de Zorzi, derailed South Africa’s chase, and they succumbed to India’s bowling prowess, getting bundled out for 218 with 25 balls remaining.