Rahul Dravid is not an exception to the rule that Rinku Singh’s stellar performances during his brief time at the international level have failed to impress. The Indian coach intends for Rinku to hone his finishing abilities further during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
“He has been performing well in the role of a finisher. This series (against Afghanistan) is another opportunity for him to develop himself as a cricketer further,” Dravid said on the eve of the first T20I in Mohali.
“Whatever opportunity he gets here or in the IPL, it will be good for his development. Whenever a player does well, he always remains in the thoughts of the selector,” he added.
In addition to his composed demeanor and diverse skill set, Rinku contributes his left-handedness, which Dravid described as an advantageous addition that “nicely strings the bow.” In addition to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Ishan Kishan, who declined to participate in this series, there are others in the cast.
“Players like Rinku, Jaiswal and Tilak have come in as well, which adds a nice string to the bow. But in the end, we make selection on the basis of performance, not just on the left-hand or right-hand batsman,” Dravid said.
“We still have left-handers in the line-up. But it is not only about left-handers but it is their ability to play through a period and to be able to tackle different kinds of spin that there is.”
Dravid also affirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma would form an order pairing prior to the T20I series.
“We will begin the discussion with Rohit and Jaiswal at this time.” When a team provides flexibility, we are able to accept a call that is in the team’s best interest.
“Undoubtedly, we are pleased with Jaiswal’s performance as our opener. “It also provides us with the upper left-right combination,” Dravid continued.
Although absent for the Mohali T20I, Virat Kohli is scheduled to return for the final two matches of the series. That would once more unlock Pandora’s box upon selection. Does Kohli bat at No. 3, or does he substitute for Shubman Gill, who employs a comparable batting style?
“Nothing is closed,” Dravid said on the prospect of Kohli opening alongside Rohit. “We have no doubt that the kind of ability and skill sets players like Rohit and Kohli possess, they will be able to find answers against different kinds of bowling.”
