Arshdeep Singh credits KL Rahul for showing faith and helping him secure his maiden ODI fifer

Indian seam bowler Arshdeep Singh was the star of the show on Sunday during the 1^st ODI against South Africa. There was a massive crowd in Johannesburg who were shell-shocked to see their team get bundled out for just 116 runs.

The demotion job was led by the Indian seam bowling duo, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan. The youngsters picked 9 wickets amongst them as the seasoned South African batters did not stand a chance.

Half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan and Shreyas Iyer led the Indian batting charge. KL Rahul saw his side win the game with 200 balls left to play and 8 wickets left. The second game will be played on Tuesday in Gqeberha with India holding a 1-0 lead.

Arshdeep Singh praises skipper KL Rahul

Having played three ODI games before this match, Arshdeep Singh had gone wicket-less in each game. The 24-year-old made sure his first wickets in the ODI format were memorable as he took 5/37 from his ten overs.

At the end of the game, Arshdeep Singh was given the man-of-the-match award for his bowling efforts. Speaking to the broadcasters, the lanky fast bowler thanked KL Rahul for his belief bestowed upon the young bowler.

“Feel a little sore but loving the movement. I learnt about the altitude only after a few overs when I was running out of breath. Had to build on from there. (Last year to here) Personally, it feels good because when you play you have a dream to play for the country. I am enjoying my role and want to thank Rahul bhai as well”

The young bowler continued and said “He said I should come back strongly am for the fifer. It is about enjoying the game. When we go to Gqeberha, we need to know what will work there and look for a good result there too.” Avesh Khan had picked up just 3 wickets from his previous five games for India. On Sunday, it was different Avesh Khan who was bowling. The 27-year-old bowled with great pace and control to dent the South African batting order. Apart from Andile Phelukwayo and Tony De Zorzi none of the home team batters put up a fight.