Rinku Singh’s recent batting performances have raised concerns for the Indian cricket team ahead of the crucial fourth T20I against South Africa. Despite centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, India’s batting has been inconsistent, and the team is seeking a more collective effort to clinch the series 3-1.
Rinku, known for his exceptional T20 skills, has struggled in recent months. His batting position and use as a floater at numbers six and seven have not helped his cause. The Aligarh-born player has managed only 28 runs in three innings, with scores of 11, 9, and 8.
While these scores may not seem alarming in isolation, the number of balls (34) Rinku has taken to score them is concerning. Even during the last IPL, he faced only 113 balls in 15 games for KKR, averaging 7.5 deliveries per game.
As a specialist “finisher,” Rinku is expected to face around 10 balls per innings. However, this strategy has eroded his confidence, leaving him caught between attacking and playing second fiddle.
Most of Rinku’s better performances have come when he has batted at number five. However, with Samson settling as an opener and Varma staking claim as a No. 3, it may be difficult for Rinku to be promoted ahead of Hardik Pandya.
The team think-tank needs to address this issue promptly. India has used 12 out of their 15 players in the first three games, and it remains to be seen if one of the two uncapped pacers, Yash Dayal or Vysakh Vijaykumar, will make their debut if the pitch warrants an extra specialist speedster.
For Samson, he will be eager to break his recent run of failures against Marco Jansen. In the final game, skipper Surya may consider Ramandeep Singh’s steady medium pace as he offers multiple skills, including the ability to field at all positions except wicket-keeping.
