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Rishi Dhawan’s Team India comeback on the cards in SA ODI series

Aakash Saini∙ Sep 27 2022, 7:15 AM

image-l8j2df5jRishi Dhawan in action in IPL 2022 (PC: Twitter)

Team India, under Rohit Sharma, pipped Australia in the recently-concluded T20I series 2-1. The ‘Men in Blue’ will now be hosting South Africa in three T20Is and three ODIs to mark their final set of fixtures prior to the T20I World Cup next month.

While Rohit Sharma’s draw-cards are slated to play the T20I series upfront, they will then depart for Australia to skip the ODI segment against the Proteas. In the absence of regular skipper, the ODI squad will likely be helmed by interim skipper Shikhar Dhawan, under temporary coach VVS Laxman.

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The BCCI will soon be announcing a second-string team for the upcoming 50-overs series. If recent reports are to be believed, all-rounder Rishi Dhawan might be recalled back to the side after a gap of six years.

Rishi Dhawan’s return, Rajat Patidar’s debut on the cards for India

Himachal Pradesh all-rounder Rishi Dhawan made his international debut back in 2016. The cricketer played three ODIs and one T20I for the ‘Men in Blue’ in his maiden year itself, before getting ruled out of the side for a prolonged period.

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While regular all-rounder Hardik Pandya is slated to be in Australia during the home series against South Africa, Rishi Dhawan has been tipped by many to replace the veteran.

Moreover, Madhya Pradesh-based RCB cult hero Rajat Patidar is also expected to make his international debut through the ODI series.

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The right-hander has performed well for India A in their recent home games against New Zealand A, notching up two tons in the first-class matches and an unbeaten 45 in one of the unofficial ODIs.

All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed is another candidate to make his Team India debut in the series. The cricketer toured Zimbabwe for three ODIs this year, however, he failed to make a cut into the playing XI.

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