Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has questioned the team management’s decision to leave Rinku Singh out of the T20I squad, arguing that the left-hander’s finishing abilities make him a valuable option in the middle order. Jaffer believes Rinku’s ability to deliver at No. 5 or No. 6 could have made a difference in India’s recent defeat against the West Indies.
India suffered a 24-run loss in the fourth T20I on Wednesday as the visitors successfully defended their total of 247/3, levelling the five-match series at 2-2. West Indies captain Shai Hope led the batting effort with a stunning unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer highlighted Rinku’s effectiveness in the middle and lower order and expressed disappointment over his absence from the Indian team. “If you look from a batter’s perspective, Rinku is miles ahead of everyone else. He bats amazingly at number five and six, plus he is a left-hander. I feel it’s very unfortunate that he isn’t part of this Indian team purely because he cannot bowl,” Jaffer said.
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The former opener also compared Rinku’s situation with that of Rajat Patidar, explaining that the latter faces stronger competition because he primarily bats in the top order. Jaffer believes Rinku should have a place in the squad given his specialised role as a finisher. “I can understand Rajat’s (Patidar) case, as he bats in the top order and there is no place there, but Rinku should be there. If you had Rinku in that position, you never know,” Jaffer added.
He further suggested that Rinku’s experience of winning matches in franchise cricket could have provided India with another option during the chase.
“He could have changed the game. He has the capacity and has won a lot of matches in franchise cricket in this manner,” Wasim Jaffer said. Rinku has struggled to secure a regular place in India’s playing XI and has been out of the team since the Zimbabwe tour. His numbers this year have also been modest, with 152 runs in 13 matches at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 139.44.
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However, his record at No. 5 and No. 6 in T20Is presents a stronger case. Rinku has scored 518 runs in 22 innings in those positions, averaging 43.15 at a strike rate of 156. These numbers underline his effectiveness in the finishing role that Jaffer believes India should consider as they look to strengthen their middle order.
