Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Rinku Singh’s batting position in the opening T20I against New Zealand at Nagpur on Wednesday. Singh, who got a chance in the starting XI after a long time, batted at number seven in the series opener.
The left-hander was able to add the finishing touches as he scored a fine cameo of 44 runs off just 20 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes to lift India’s score to 238. However, Chopra reckons Singh batted way down the order and wondered if the batter’s strength is to hit the ground running while batting in the lower-middle order.
“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.
“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.
The renowned commentator highlighted that Rinku Singh should have batted ahead of Shivam Dube.
“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.
“Rinku is returning after such a long time in any case. So you allow him an opportunity to play a few overs, get set, and score more runs. Shivam Dube is a two-skilled player. You are getting him to bowl as well. So he is going to be relevant a lot more. Rinku has only one skill set. He is a batter. My only request is that you should make him bat slightly up the order,” Chopra observed.
The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Raipur on Friday.
