Ex-Cricketer Questions Team India’s Decision On Rinku Singh’s Batting Order

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has recently voiced concerns about how Team India is using Rinku Singh, a talented batter with a proven track record. In the first T20I against South Africa on Friday, Rinku batted at the No. 6 position, scoring only 11 runs off 10 balls. Chopra questioned if Rinku Singh is getting fair chances to showcase his talent.

Aakash Chopra’s Criticism

In his 27 T20I matches, Rinku Singh has consistently impressed, scoring 490 runs at an impressive average of 54.44. Chopra’s remarks reflect a sense of frustration as Rinku has proven himself, especially when batting higher up the order. This performance begs the question: Why isn’t he being given more responsibility?

Chopra raised a valid point on his YouTube channel, questioning if the management is being fair with Rinku. Given Rinku’s potential, he deserves a more prominent role. Chopra suggests the management should prioritize utilizing Rinku’s talent, perhaps by promoting him to the No. 4 spot, especially in situations that demand an aggressive batter who can steer the game.

“Are we being fair to Rinku? It’s a very important question. Why am I asking this question? You kept him in the team first, he is your original choice player. He was in your team against Bangladesh and before that as well. Whenever you have sent him up the order or he has got to bat in the powerplay, he has scored runs every time,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Why Rinku Singh Deserves a Higher Batting Position

Rinku has shown a knack for performing under pressure, stepping up when the team needs a stabilizing force. His past performances indicate that he is more than just a finisher; he’s a versatile player capable of adapting his style depending on the situation.

While players like Hardik Pandya and Andre Russell are known for their power-hitting capabilities, Chopra emphasized that Rinku has a different approach. Rinku’s calculated strokes and precise timing make him a “crisis man” who can build an innings methodically, making him well-suited for positions higher in the batting order.

Rinku’s Best Utilization 

Rinku’s previous innings have demonstrated that he can capitalize on the powerplay, scoring at a strong strike rate while keeping wickets intact. Utilizing him during the powerplay could add significant value to India’s batting lineup and take pressure off other top-order players.

Chopra explained that Rinku isn’t just a finisher as he can bat up the order, labelling him a crisis man. “He has scored a half-century every time. He has emerged as a crisis man. He scored those half-centuries at very good strike rates. So this was that opportunity. Why don’t you send him at No. 4? What is the reason that you only send Rinku down the order, always at No. 6?”

“I am asking this question only because Rinku can finish, but he is not just a finisher. This is my understanding. I feel he knows how to drive the game. He is hitting sixes but he is not someone who muscles the ball. He is not Andre Russell and he is not Hardik Pandya as well,” he added.

Allowing Rinku to bat higher up in the lineup, particularly at No. 4, would give him the opportunity to contribute more effectively. This change would let him play his natural game without the pressure of limited overs.