Former Indian batter Suresh Raina said Rinku Singh is unlikely to get a place in India’s playing XI in the fifth T20I against Australia. Singh hasn’t featured regularly in the final XI for the Men in Blue in the recent past.
The left-hander had last played in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan at Dubai and had hit the winning runs. But the Uttar Pradesh batter hasn’t got any chance in the first four T20Is against Australia. Singh had also played a solitary match in the Asia Cup.
Suresh Raina said on Star Sports, “After this win, I think they will go for a win in the next game. I don’t know where Rinku Singh can get a place. We haven’t lost a series Down Under after 2008. I feel the confidence you will carry forward into the upcoming matches after winning the series will be extremely important,” he responded.
Raina said Rinku might not get his chance unless there is any injury.
“Rinku is definitely in the Indian selectors and coaches’ scheme of things, but Jitesh Sharma played well in the last match. Washington Sundar played well again today (Thursday). I feel they can play this match with the same team, unless someone has an injury. Then you can give Rinku a chance. However, I feel it will be the same playing XI,” Raina observed.
On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel said Rinku Singh will get his chances before the T20 World Cup.
“The World Cup will definitely be on the Indian team’s mind, but giving opportunities to players will not be a priority. Obviously, Rinku Singh will get opportunities before the World Cup. You might see it in the next match or in the South Africa matches,” he said.
“It’s not like Rinku will keep sitting out till the World Cup. He needs to be a little patient because he is a quality player. However, whether it is Tests, ODIs, we talk more about whichever player is not playing, but whoever is playing is an equally capable player and is winning us matches. So, be patient, you will get opportunities,” Parthiv observed.
Rinku Singh has scored 550 runs in 25 T20I innings at a strike rate of 161.76.
