‘Rinku Could Have Changed the Game’: Jaffer Questions India’s Selection After West Indies Defeat

India’s pursuit of 248 against West Indies left Wasim Jaffer thinking about the finisher missing from their lineup: Rinku Singh.

The former India batter questioned Rinku’s exclusion after the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, saying the left-hander could have made a difference when the chase entered its decisive stretch.

West Indies won by 24 runs to level the five-match series at 2-2, setting up a decider in Bengaluru on October 17. Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 and Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul powered the visitors’ victory.

‘RINKU SHOULD BE THERE’

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer argued that India were overlooking a specialist middle-order batter because he did not offer an additional 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. 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.”

India had kept the chase alive through a 70-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, bringing the requirement down to 59 off the final four overs. Their dismissals, however, left the lower order with too much to do.

“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 said.

Rinku has not played for India since the Zimbabwe tour in July. In 13 T20Is this year, he has scored 152 runs across 10 innings at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 139.44.

His overall record at numbers five and six is stronger: 518 runs in 22 innings at an average of 43.16 and a strike rate above 156, including two half-centuries.

FOUR OVERS FROM NAMAN ‘TOO AMBITIOUS’

Jaffer also questioned expectations around Naman Dhir’s off-spin, saying it was difficult to rely on him for a full four-over spell, particularly after the powerplay.

“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.

Naman has taken five wickets in four matches in the series, but his economy rate has climbed to almost 12. He conceded 19 runs in his only over in Hyderabad after returning figures of 2/39 from three overs in Indore.

His batting returns have also been modest, with 14 runs across three innings. Jaffer said contributions with the bat would be central to his place in the side.

“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 said.

SERIES HEADS TO BENGALURU

Hope’s unbeaten 102 off 50 balls helped West Indies post 247/3 in Hyderabad. Sherfane Rutherford contributed an unbeaten 49, while Shimron Hetmyer struck 33.

Sanju Samson’s attacking 56 gave India early momentum before Tilak’s 43 and Nitish’s 41 sustained the pursuit. Paul’s 5/41 ultimately helped West Indies close out the contest and force a deciding fifth match.

With inputs from ANI