India's Naman Dhir, centre, celebrates with captain Shreyas Iyer, right, and others (PTI Photo)
Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes Rinku Singh’s absence is hurting India in the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, arguing that the left-hander could have made a difference in the fourth match.India suffered a 24-run defeat on Wednesday after the visitors successfully defended a target of 248 to level the five-match series at 2-2. Shai Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls as the West Indies finished at 247/3. India, in reply, were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, with Arshdeep Singh retiring hurt in the final over as the chase came to an end.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer questioned the decision to leave Rinku out of the Indian side, insisting that the batter's ability to deliver in the middle and lower order makes him a valuable option."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 is very unfortunate that he is not part of this Indian team purely because he cannot bowl. 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," Jaffer said.The former India batter felt Rinku could have given India a chance to turn the game around during the fourth T20I, pointing to the finisher's record in franchise cricket.
"If you had Rinku in that position, you never know. He could have changed the game. He has the capacity and has won a lot of matches in franchise cricket in this manner," he added.Rinku has struggled to secure a regular place in India's playing XI and was eventually left out of the squad after the Zimbabwe tour. His numbers this year have been modest, with 152 runs from 13 matches at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 139.44.
His highest score in that period is 44 not out.However, his record when batting at No. 5 or 6 in T20Is tells a different story. In 22 innings in those positions, Rinku has scored 518 runs at an average of 43.15 and a strike rate of 156.00, underlining his effectiveness in the role Jaffer believes he should be given.Jaffer also assessed India's decision to include Naman Dhir in the T20I side, expressing reservations about expecting the all-rounder to bowl his full quota of four overs.
He said off-spinners can struggle outside the powerplay when they lack variations, particularly on Indian pitches."It is a bit difficult for off-spinners to bowl after the powerplay if you don't have variety. Roston Chase does it; credit to him. If you do not have that cleverness or variation, especially in India, it becomes very difficult. So to expect that Naman Dhir will bowl four overs is too ambitious," he said.
Jaffer added that Dhir's contribution with the bat would be crucial to his place in the T20I side. The all-rounder has managed just 14 runs across three innings in the series, but Jaffer believes he has the ability to provide a quick contribution."I feel his performance with the bat is very important for him to play T20 cricket. Unfortunately, that has not happened in the last two matches, but he has the capability to come and play a quick 25-30 cameo," he signed off.With the series tied at 2-2, India and the West Indies will face off in the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17.