In the second Twenty20 International between India and South Africa, Rinku Singh scored an impressive half-century. Aakash Chopra praised him for it and asked the Indian think-tank to continue supporting him in the Twenty20 World Cup the following year.
On Tuesday, in a game shortened due to rain in Gqeberha, Rinku scored a robust 68 runs without being out, taking only 39 balls. This effort enabled the Men in Blue to reach a commendable total of 180/7 in 19.3 overs. Yet, the game was won by the Proteas by a tally of five wickets. They used the DLS method, which allotted them a 1-0 series lead in the three-game sequence.
In a video posted on his YouTube account, Chopra felt that Rinku should be included to India’s T20 World Cup team. He reasoned as follows:
“Keep investing in Rinku Singh. He is now a part of the ODI squad as well. Whoever comes or goes, please stay with Rinku for the World Cup. Take him carefully along with you because he has scored runs whenever and wherever he has played.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener lauded the southpaw for once again saving the team. He went on to say:
“Rinku Singh deserves praise. He struck his first T20I half-century. India were once again struggling slightly when he came to bat. To be fair, it has happened twice or thrice in the last series that he got to bat around the eighth to eleventh overs, and it happened this time as well.”
Aakash Chopra
When India were reduced to 55/3 in the sixth over, Rinku joined Suryakumar Yadav (56 off 36) in the middle. The pair put up a 70-run stand in only eight overs to enable the visitors set a tough goal for the hosts.
“He stays very stable and expects the bowler to err in line” – Aakash Chopra on Rinku Singh’s approach
Aakash Chopra emphasized Rinku Singh’s straightforward technique while striking boundaries behind the wickets. He elaborated:
“The way he played, he hit seven fours behind the wickets, behind point and square leg. He stays very stable and expects the bowler to err in line, that he would play behind point if he gets the ball outside off-stump and try to turn his body and hit a four to fine leg if the ball is directed at his body.”
Aakash Chopra
The renowned pundit lauded the child for his clever use of the holes. He stated:
“The third man and fine leg are both kept inside these days, or else at least one of them is inside, and that is a possible shot to get a four. So he plays cricket intelligently.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra finished by stating that Rinku succeeds as a finisher despite not being as physically powerful as other heavy hitters. He did, however, admit that the rather short-statured batsman blasted two massive sixes off Aiden Markram’s bowling in Tuesday’s game, one of which broke a glass pane in the media box.