Wasim Jaffer Says India Missed Rinku Singh in 4th T20I

Wasim Jaffer believes India missed Rinku Singh’s middle-order batting during their 248-run chase against West Indies in the fourth T20I, with the former India batter saying the left-hander could have changed the game. West Indies levelled the series at 2-2 after India finished 25 runs short, sending the contest to a decider in Bengaluru on October 17.

India were set a formidable target after Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 from 50 balls helped West Indies reach 247/3. Sanju Samson launched India’s reply with 56 from 22 deliveries, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy later put on a 70-run partnership that revived hopes of an unlikely chase. But India could not sustain the momentum after both were dismissed.

Jaffer highlights Rinku Singh’s finishing record

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer said Rinku’s absence was particularly significant given his record in the No. 5 and No. 6 positions. Rinku has not played for India since the tour of Zimbabwe in July, and Jaffer said the batter deserved a place despite not offering a bowling 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,” Jaffer said.

Jaffer contrasted Rinku’s situation with that of Rajat Patidar, noting that Patidar bats in the top order where India have limited room. In Rinku’s case, Jaffer said there is a stronger argument for selection because of the role he can fill in the middle order.

“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 added.

Rinku has scored 152 runs in 13 T20Is this year, batting in 10 innings at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 139.44, with an unbeaten 44 his highest score. His broader record at No. 5 and No. 6 is more substantial: 518 runs in 22 T20I innings at an average of 43.16 and a strike rate above 156, including two half-centuries.

Against West Indies, Samson’s early fifty kept India in the contest after the large target was set. Tilak made 43 from 25 balls and Nitish struck 41 from 20, taking the equation to 59 required from 24 balls during their stand. Their dismissals, however, left India unable to complete the chase. Arshdeep Singh retired hurt in the final over after being hit on the arm.

Jaffer also urges caution over Naman Dhir’s bowling role

Jaffer also addressed Naman Dhir’s role in the side, saying it would be too ambitious to expect four overs from the off-spinner. Naman has taken five wickets in four matches, but his economy rate has risen to nearly 12 after conceding 19 runs from one over in Hyderabad and 39 from three overs in Indore, despite taking two wickets there.

According to Jaffer, off-spinners without enough variation can find it difficult to bowl after the powerplay in India. He pointed to Roston Chase as a bowler who can manage that challenge, while stressing that Naman’s batting remains crucial to his T20I case.

Naman has made 14 runs in three innings, though Jaffer said the all-rounder has the ability to contribute a quick 25 or 30. With the series tied, India now head to the fifth T20I at M Chinnaswamy Stadium needing to settle the contest after West Indies’ fourth-match victory.