‘Should he be your designated finisher?’ - Aakash Chopra questions Rinku Singh’s role in Indian Team

Former opener Aakash Chopra has raised questions overRinku Singh’s utilisation by the Indian team in the batting order, despite his impactful knock against New Zealand in the first T20I. The Men in Blue defeated the Blackcaps in the opening encounter. 

After a disappointing ODI series, the hosts came back strongly with a 48-run win against the Kiwis. After being asked to bat first, the Indian batters smashed 238 runs in their 20 overs. Rinku Singh gave the team a strong finish with a knock of 44 runs off

20 deliveries.

However, Chopra has raised questions over the southpaw’s batting position, despite a strong outing. He believes that Rinku should not be a designated finisher and should be batting up the order. 

"In my opinion, you give Rinku Singh a chance too low in the batting order. He is your designated finisher, but should he be your designated finisher? You should ask that question for sure because, although he got to play more balls this time, many times 18-odd balls are left when the finisher gets the chance to play," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

While praising Rinku for being a team man, the commentator believes that the 28-year-old is not someone who can hit from ball one and needs time.

"When 18-odd balls are left, he would get eight to 10 balls. Is he someone who can hit a six from the first ball? He does everything that he can do and a little more, he tries to do more than what is in his control, he gives his 100 percent, but if you want the best from him, give him a few more overs," he added.

Rinku smashed 20 runs in the 20th over off Daryl Mitchell, which helped India post a mammoth total in the end.

Send Rinku ahead of Shivam Dube: Chopra

The ace commentator further stated that a natural hitter like Shivam Dube should bat as a designated finisher and that will allow the Uttar Pradesh batter to come up the order.

"His three half-centuries have come when he got to bat in the powerplay. I am not saying you should send him there, but when you sent Shivam Dube, you could have sent Rinku in his place. Make Rinku bat there. Shivam Dube is a designated six-hitter with a lot of strength. So you can move him slightly down the order," he said.

Shivam Dube impressed everyone with his all-round performance in the opening encounter. While scoring nine runs off just four balls with the bat, he also picked up two wickets.