Former India opener Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about how Rinku Singh is being used in the Indian batting order. This came after Rinku’s impressive knock in the first T20I against New Zealand.
India bounced back strongly after a poor ODI series. The Men in Blue defeated the Blackcaps by 48 runs in the opening T20I. After being asked to bat first, India posted a huge total of 238 runs in 20 overs.
Rinku Singh played an important role at the end. The left-hander scored 44 runs off just 20 balls. His innings helped India finish strongly. He also smashed 20 runs in the final over bowled by Daryl Mitchell.
Despite this performance, Aakash Chopra believes Rinku is batting too low in the order. He feels the team should rethink Rinku’s role as a finisher.
“In my opinion, you give Rinku Singh a chance too low in the batting order. He is your designated finisher, but should he be your designated finisher? You should ask that question for sure because, although he got to play more balls this time, many times 18-odd balls are left when the finisher gets the chance to play,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Send Rinku Singh ahead of Shivam Dube: Aakash Chopra
Chopra praised Rinku’s attitude and effort. However, he said Rinku is not someone who can hit big shots from the first ball.
“When 18-odd balls are left, he would get eight to 10 balls. Is he someone who can hit a six from the first ball? He does everything that he can do and a little more, he tries to do more than what is in his control, he gives his 100 percent, but if you want the best from him, give him a few more overs,” he added.
Chopra also suggested a change in the batting order. He believes Shivam Dube should bat lower.
“His three half-centuries have come when he got to bat in the powerplay. I am not saying you should send him there, but when you sent Shivam Dube, you could have sent Rinku in his place. Make Rinku bat there. Shivam Dube is a designated six-hitter with a lot of strength. So you can move him slightly down the order,” he said.
Shivam Dube had a good match as well. He scored nine runs off four balls and took two wickets.
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