Sanju Samson named in India's ODI squad against South Africa

Sanju Samson has been named in India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against South Africa.

The India squad captained by Shikhar Dhawan with Shreyas Iyer as his deputy was announced by the BCCI on Sunday.

India will play three ODIs against the visiting Proteas. The first match will be played in Lucknow on October 6 followed by Ranchi (October 9) and Delhi (October 11).

Meanwhile, uncapped Bengal seamer Mukesh Kumar and prolific domestic performer Rajat Patidar have earned their maiden India call-up.

Mukesh, a prolific red ball bowler for Bengal, had emerged as top wicket taker in first class games against New Zealand 'A'. The 28-year-old quick had taken nine wickets in the three matches against New Zealand 'A'.

Patidar, a stylish hitter, on the other hand, has scored centuries in IPL play offs, in the Ranji Trophy final and in "Tests" against New Zealand 'A' in the last three months.

The 29-year-old from Indore gained prominence after slamming a sizzling 112 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL eliminator. He also scored a 58 against Rajasthan Royals in the next match.

Switching to red-ball cricket, Patidar came up with scores of 85 and 79 against Punjab and Bengal respectively in knockout matches in the Ranji Trophy before slamming a decisive hundred in the Ranji Trophy final to guide Madhya Pradesh to the title.

India's ODI Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubhman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Deepak Chahar.
(With PTI inputs)