India’s Naman Dhir, centre, celebrates with captain Shreyas Iyer, right, and others (PTI Photo)
India suffered a 24-run defeat on Wednesday after the visitors successfully defended a target of 248 to level the five-match series at 2-2. Shai Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls as the West Indies finished at 247/3. India, in reply, were bowled out for 223 in 19.3 overs, with Arshdeep Singh retiring hurt in the final over as the chase came to an end. His numbers this year have been modest, with 152 runs from 13 matches at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 139.44. His highest score in that period is 44 not out.
He said off-spinners can struggle outside the powerplay when they lack variations, particularly on Indian pitches. Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes Rinku Singh’s absence is hurting India in the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, arguing that the left-hander could have made a difference in the fourth match. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer questioned the decision to leave Rinku out of the Indian side, insisting that the batter’s ability to deliver in the middle and lower order makes him a valuable option. Rinku has struggled to secure a regular place in India’s playing XI and was eventually left out of the squad after the Zimbabwe tour. Jaffer also assessed India’s decision to include Naman Dhir in the T20I side, expressing reservations about expecting the all-rounder to bowl his full quota of four overs.
Because he cannot bowl, i feel it is very unfortunate that he is not part of this Indian team purely.
I can understand Rajat’s (Patidar) case, as he bats in the top order and there is no place there, but Rinku should be there,” Jaffer said. “If you look from a batter’s perspective, Rinku is miles ahead of everyone else. He bats amazingly at number five and six, plus he is a left-hander. The former India batter felt Rinku could have given India a chance to turn the game around during the fourth T20I, pointing to the finisher’s record in franchise cricket.