"Rinku could've changed the game": Wasim Jaffer feels India missed batter's presence in 4th West Indies T20I
Wasim Jaffer claims India missed Rinku Singh's finishing skills during a massive chase against West Indies in the 4th T20I.
Former Indian cricket stalwart Wasim Jaffer has sparked a debate over team selection, suggesting that India's failure to chase down a mammoth target against the West Indies in the fourth T20I could have been avoided if Rinku Singh had been in the lineup.
"Rinku could've changed the game": Wasim Jaffer slams India's selection in West Indies T20I
In a high-scoring encounter where the West Indies posted a daunting 247/3, Team India found themselves struggling to keep pace with the required run rate. Despite some flashes of brilliance, the chase fell short, leading Jaffer to voice his concerns on his YouTube channel regarding the absence of the explosive middle-order batter.
The "Miles Ahead" Batter
Wasim Jaffer did not mince words when discussing Rinku Singh's current standing in the national setup. He argued that from a purely batting perspective, Rinku is "miles ahead of everyone else," particularly when batting at the number five or six positions.
Jaffer expressed frustration that Rinku's lack of bowling options seems to be the primary reason for his exclusion. While he acknowledged that players like Rajat Patidar are squeezed out due to a crowded top order, he believes Rinku's specialized finishing skills are indispensable.
"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," Jaffer remarked.
A Chase That Slipped Away
The match was dominated by West Indies' Shai Hope, who smashed an unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls—his fourth century of the tour. The Caribbean side's total was further bolstered by Sherfane Rutherford (49* off 26) and Shimron Hetmyer (33 off 12).
India's response started aggressively with Sanju Samson hammering a quick-fire 56 off 22 balls. However, the momentum stalled until a 70-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy brought the target within reach. With 59 runs needed off the final 24 deliveries, the game seemed winnable, but the collapse of the lower order sealed India's fate.
The Numbers Behind the Argument
Rinku Singh's statistics support Jaffer's claims, especially in his preferred slots. In 22 T20Is batting at number five and six, Rinku has amassed 518 runs at an impressive average of 43.16 and a strike rate exceeding 156.
Overall this year in T20Is, he has scored 152 runs across 10 innings, maintaining a strike rate of 139.44, with a top score of 44*.
Caution Over Naman Dhir
Beyond the batting order, Jaffer also analyzed the performance of all-rounder Naman Dhir. While Dhir has been a leading spinner with five wickets in four matches, his economy rate has become a concern, spiking to nearly 12 runs per over.
Jaffer warned that expecting Dhir to bowl a full four-over quota is "too ambitious," noting that off-spinners without significant variations struggle in Indian conditions after the powerplay. He further emphasized that Dhir must improve his batting—having managed only 14 runs in three recent innings—to secure his spot in the T20 format.
The Final Showdown
With the series now locked at 2-2, the stage is set for a thrilling decider. The two teams will clash in the fifth and final T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17, where the series trophy will be decided.