The partnership of 56 runs off 32 balls between Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma was decisive in India’s 20-run victory against Australia in the fourth T20I at Raipur, securing the series win.
With the series already won, the fantastic relationship between Rinku and Jitesh might be a greater triumph for the Indian squad in terms of T20 World Cup preparation. It came at a critical time for the Men in Blue, and it also demonstrated what the two hitters were capable of.
On that topic, here are three reasons why Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma should be regarded key members of India’s T20 World Cup squad next year:
3. Impact of domestic and IPL performances
Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma have both established their worth at the local and IPL levels, and they have made the most of their opportunities in the Indian T20I team. Rinku has scored 2198 runs at a stunning strike rate of 147.22 in 105 T20s.
Jitesh has appeared in 101 T20 games in all, scoring 2253 runs with a strike rate of over 150. These two players have nearly perfected the finishing role for their respective IPL teams. As someone who has been there and done that in terms of that vital lower middle-order role, India might gain greatly if they continue to place their trust in these two batters.
2. Fearless attitude
Rinku Singh has only played nine T20Is for India, but he has already proven that he belongs at this level, scoring 174 runs at an incredible strike rate of 197.72. He’s been quite open about staying calm in pressure circumstances and trusting his power-hitting to get the job done for the club.
Jitesh Sharma, too, was brave in his approach, not worrying about whether he would have another shot if he failed. On Saturday, he hit three massive sixes in a fast 35. India’s struggle in major matches in ICC tournaments has likely been their attitude throughout the last decade, but that may change if Rinku and Jitesh continue to play courageously and provide the squad with the X-factor.
3. Rinku and Jitesh balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses in finishing
The way Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma analyzed the situation and applied themselves was arguably the biggest positive for India from the fourth T20I. When Rinku came up to bat, he knew he needed to rotate the strike and develop a partnership before unleashing himself once a platform was established.
Jitesh, on the other hand, realized he needed to get a move on fairly immediately and relied on his ability to hit those enormous sixes despite being new to the crease. If India bats Rinku Singh in the T20 World Cup knowing that Jitesh Sharma would follow, the southpaw will have a more cushion to play the scenario as well as support his natural game.
Once Hardik Pandya returns, India may want a wicketkeeper who can bat lower in the order, and Jitesh fits the bill wonderfully. This is their chance to put their faith in Rinku and Jitesh in the lower middle order and support them to perform on the big stage in the West Indies and the United States next year.
