"Der aaye durust aaye" - Fans react as Rahul Tripathi makes his T20I debut against Sri Lanka

Rahul Tripathi is all set to make his international debut during the second T20I against Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, January 5.

Tripathi, who has been waiting in the wings for quite some time now, came in place of Sanju Samson. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter suffered a knee injury while fielding in the first T20I at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and has been ruled out of the remainder of the series.

Having scored close to 2000 runs in 74 IPL innings, Tripathy was on the cusp of making his Team India debut. He received his maiden Indian call-up during the tour of Ireland for two T20Is last summer under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.

Fans were extremely happy to see Tripathy in the playing XI and wished him luck for the game. Here are some reactions:

Congratulations @rahultripathi on your debut today!! A beautiful feeling to play for #TeamIndia and i’m sure you’ll make the most out of it 💪🏽 Best of luck brother!!

Rahul Tripathi to make his T20I debut. Most improved player #INDvSL

So happy to know Rahul Tripathi will make his T20I debut tonight! I consider him as one of the most underrated Indian cricketers. His hard-work has finally paid off. Many would’ve told him you’re too old now but he fought everything that came his way! Wishing him best
#INDvSL

Yesssss @rahultripathi is playing going to play for India 🏏🥳 #INDvSL

Couldn't happen to a more positive person. Der aaye, durust aaye... congratulations Rahul Tripathi. Hope you never lose that smile

Many congratulations to Rahul Tripathi for finally getting a chance. A well deserved opportunity for him.

Rahul Tripathi is making his debut for India. So happy for him! He deserves it considering how he has performed over the last couple of seasons. #INDvSL

The happiness, the smiles of Rahul Tripathi when he got his debut cap for India - What a moment for him, the hard work and dedication, commitment pays off now. So happy for him. All the best Rahul Tripathi. https://t.co/9GMsT8SRuv

Happy for Rahul Tripathi, finally playing after years of waiting. Hopefully he’ll make it count💪.

Finally, after a long and much-awaited wait, Rahul Tripathi is no longer an uncapped player. This was long overdue. The thought of watching SKY and Tripathi bat together in the middle-overs is a salivating prospect. So so happy for him! #INDvSL twitter.com/BCCI/status/16…

Once My Idiol Ro Said - " Sun Will Rise Again Tomorrow " And This Happened With Rahul Tripathi Most Deserving Player,Now Indian Cap Player Rahul Tripathi😭 A Long Waiting Finally Paid Off!! Go Well #RahulTripathi 💜 https://t.co/TlRR8089Ak

Finally, a well deserved debut for Rahul Tripathi.

Finally and deservedly so. Shows how shambolic selection has been in recent years that Rahul Tripathi is getting to play for India so late. twitter.com/BCCI/status/16…

RAHUL TRIPATHI!!!! FINALLY. BRING IT ONN MY MAN!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Very happy for Rahul Tripathi finally getting a well deserved debut, hopefully has a banger of a game at his home venue.

#IndvsSL #CricketTwitter

@tripathirahul52 @hardikpandya7 One of the happiest moments for me by watching Rahul Tripathi making his debut today vs SL in the 2nd T20. He is an excellent player & another disciple of MSD. All the very best Rahul & do make your mark. Thanks to Hardik Pandya. @BCCI @msdhoni

Rahul Tripathi should bat at no 3. Push SKY to no 4. He is very good at it already.

Happy for You Rahul Tripathi 😊. Well Deserved Chance. Congratulations and All the best for Today's Match. #RahulTripathi #INDvSL https://t.co/stJRAkFh9O

RAHUL TRIPATHI AS WHAT ALREADY FANS WAITING CAN HE TURN IN TO GOLDEN CHANCE. IT'S WILL BE VERY CRUCIAL DAY FOR HIM. AS WHAT ARSHDEEP SINGH BACK IN ACTION AFTER LNG TME ON PLACE OF HARSHAL PATEL. INDIA WLL GOING TO BOWL FRST.
#HardikPandya #INDvSL #ishankishan #ShivamMavi sky

"We just think dew might come later" - India captain Hardik Pandya

Indian skipper Hardik Pandya decided to bowl first in Pune after winning the toss. Explaining his decision, the all-rounder stated that dew might play a role in the second innings.

"We're going to bowl first," Hardik said at the toss. "We just think dew might come later. The wicket looks quite good. I don't think it'll change much."

Meanwhile, India made two changes to their playing XI. Apart from Rahul Tripathy's inclusion, Arshdeep Singh made a comeback to the side in place of Harshal Patel.

"One forced change with Sanju Samson ruled out," he added. "Rahul Tripathi makes his debut. Arshdeep comes back in and Harshal misses out."

India's playing XI: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Sri Lanka playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, and Dilshan Madushanka.

Also Read: "All is well" - Sanju Samson reacts after being ruled out of Sri Lanka T20Is