'He's growing with each game- KL Rahul lauds Arshdeep Singh after his stellar show in the first T20I against South Africa

KL Rahul-Arshdeep Singh (Source: twitter)

The Indian team had a great win over South Africa in a low-scoring thriller in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. India bowled brilliantly, limiting the Proteas to 106/8 in 20 overs before chasing down the target in the 17th over of the game. While KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav both scored unbeaten half-centuries, Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar caused havoc with the ball.

Arshdeep finished with 3/32 in four overs, while Chahar gave up 24 runs for two wickets. At one point, the duo had South Africa down to 9/5. Rahul, the vice-captain, was all praise for Arshdeep after the game. "He's (Arshdeep) growing with each game and with each outing he gets better, he is somebody who has a big heart and I have seen him in close quarters while playing in the IPL,” Rahul said.

During his time with the Punjab team in the Indian T20 League, KL Rahul captained Arshdeep. The left-arm pacer is still with the team and has put in consistent performances, earning him his first India call-up in June.

To be the number one death bowler in a team which has Rabada speaks highly of him" Rahul on Arshdeep

"This season what he did for his franchise was phenomenal and to be the number one death bowler in a team which has Rabada speaks highly of him. We always want a left-arm seamer and it is great to have someone like Arshdeep,” Rahul added.

Arshdeep was rested for the previous T20I series against Australia as part of the bowler rotation process. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had played against Australia, was replaced by the left-arm pacer in the ongoing South Africa T20Is. Arshdeep, 23, is also a member of India's 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, which begins on October 22 in Australia.

India will return to action on October 2 in Guwahati against South Africa in the second T20I. The team led by Rohit Sharma will look to win the second match and seal the series there itself.