Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Rinku Singh's Promotion in KKR's Batting Order
Ashwin's Call for Rinku Singh's Elevated Role
Ravichandran Ashwin, a former cricketer for India, has encouraged the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to assign Rinku Singh a more significant role in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He proposes that the left-handed batsman should be elevated to the number four position in the batting lineup. Rinku, who has been a long-time player for KKR, had a standout IPL 2023 season, accumulating 474 runs and playing a vital part in the team's championship victory in the 2024 season. However, last season, he often found himself batting as low as seventh or eighth due to a congested middle order, resulting in only 206 runs across 13 innings.
Insights from Ashwin's YouTube Channel
On his YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat, Ashwin emphasized the importance of KKR allowing Rinku to step away from the finisher role and instead granting him more time at the crease. He remarked, "KKR seems a bit stuck, don't they? With the acquisition of Cameron Green, will he bat in the top three or at No. 4? If I were in KKR's position, I would opt for Rinku Singh at No. 4. Should two wickets fall during the powerplay, Green can always be pushed up. After the six-over mark, Rinku should be given the chance to bat for 4-5 overs before taking on the bowlers."
A Chance to Redefine Rinku's Role
Rinku's recent performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 was disappointing, as he scored only 24 runs in five matches before being dropped, although he remained part of the victorious Indian squad. With KKR likely to see significant changes in their batting lineup after releasing key players like Venkatesh Iyer and the now-retired Andre Russell, Ashwin believes this is an opportune moment to redefine Rinku's position. He stated, "This season must see Rinku Singh contributing more runs than before. He should be entrusted with greater responsibility. He has the capability to score big hundreds in the Ranji Trophy. KKR has the resources to surprise teams, even when not at their peak."
Upcoming IPL Season
KKR is set to kick off their IPL campaign against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on March 29.