Wasim Jaffer Highlights Rinku Singh's Absence in India's T20I Chase Against West Indies

In a recent analysis, Wasim Jaffer pointed out the significant impact of Rinku Singh's absence during India's T20I chase against West Indies. He emphasized Rinku's superior batting skills and potential to change the game's outcome. Despite a strong performance from Sanju Samson and a promising partnership, India fell short in their chase, leading to a tied series. Jaffer also discussed the challenges faced by all-rounder Naman Dhir, stressing the importance of his batting in T20 cricket. The upcoming fifth T20I in Bengaluru promises to be an exciting decider.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 00:19 IST

Jaffer Discusses India's Middle-Order Challenges

In a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer expressed that Team India could have greatly benefited from middle-order batsman Rinku Singh during their challenging chase of 248 runs against the West Indies in the fourth T20I. Jaffer emphasized that Rinku's batting skills are significantly superior, suggesting he could have altered the match's outcome for India.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer reflected on the match where Shai Hope's impressive fourth century of the tour put India in a tough spot. Despite a strong start from Sanju Samson, who scored a half-century, the team struggled to maintain the required run rate.

A promising partnership of 70 runs between Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy raised hopes, reducing the target to 59 runs needed off 24 balls. However, their dismissals marked the end of India's chances, as they now prepare for the fifth T20I in Bengaluru with the series tied.

Rinku Singh has not played for India since the Zimbabwe tour in July and has seen limited opportunities since last year. Jaffer noted, "From a batting standpoint, Rinku is far ahead of others. He excels at numbers five and six and being a left-hander adds to his value. It's unfortunate he isn't part of the squad just because he doesn't bowl. I understand Rajat Patidar's situation, but Rinku deserves a spot."

He added, "Having Rinku could have made a difference. His experience in franchise cricket shows he can win matches in tight situations." This year, Rinku has scored 152 runs in 13 T20I matches, averaging 25.33 with a strike rate of 139.44, and his best score being 44*.

Rinku has been particularly effective batting at numbers five and six, amassing 518 runs in 22 innings at an impressive average of 43.16 and a strike rate exceeding 156, including two fifties.

Regarding all-rounder Naman Dhir, Jaffer cautioned against expecting him to bowl a full four overs, noting that off-spinners often struggle after the powerplay without variations, especially in Indian conditions. Naman has taken five wickets in four matches but has faced challenges with an economy rate nearing 12.

Jaffer remarked, "It's tough for off-spinners to bowl effectively after the powerplay without clever variations. Expecting Naman to bowl four overs is overly ambitious." He also highlighted the importance of Naman's batting performance, which has been lacking, with only 14 runs in three innings.

The series is now tied at 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting decider at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17. Hope's remarkable innings of 102* off 50 balls, along with contributions from Hetmyer and Rutherford, helped West Indies post 247/3. India, despite a strong start from Samson, fell short, with Arshdeep Singh retiring hurt in the final over.