New Delhi: Team India’s outgoing batting coach Vikram Rathour has heaped praise on Rinku Singh stating that he is ready to play for India in Tests. Rinku has been a revelation for India in T20Is and has done exceptionally well as a finisher in the shortest format. Rathour feels the explosive left-hander also has what it takes to be a successful Test batter.
Rathour, who was one of the key members of India’s coaching staff under former head coach Rahul Dravid, has witnessed Rinku’s growth from close quarters. Rinku made his India debut when Rathour was the batting coach of the team and capitalised on his opportunities quickly to establish his credentials as a reliable finisher in T20Is.
Rathour, who played an important role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, praised Rinku for heading in the right direction ever since making his debut for India last year. Highlighting his brilliant first-class record, the outgoing India batting coach said he doesn’t find any technical reasons why Rinku can’t be a success for Idia in Tests.
“One of the players to have moved up the ladder in the past two seasons is Rinku Singh, who has played two ODIs and 20 T20Is, but can’t be called a regular in the national side yet. He is a fantastic finisher in short-format cricket, but also averages 54.70 after 69 first-class innings,” Rathour was quoted as saying by PTI.
“When I see him bat in nets, I can’t find any technical reasons why Rinku cannot be a successful Test batter,” he added.
Rinku Singh to make Test debut soon?
Rinku rose to the limelight after his fabulous performances for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2023. The left-hander produced consistent finishing cameos for his side, amassing an impressive 474 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 149.52 which paved his way into the Indian team.
Rinku has played 20 T20Is for India since making his debut last year and has done well with 416 runs at an average of over 83 and a strike rate of 176.27, including two fifties. Rathour believes Rinku might have made a name for himself in T20Is but he can be equally good for India in Tests.
“I understand he has made his name as a terrific finisher in T20 cricket, but if you look at his first-class record, he is averaging in high 50s. He is also blessed with a very calm temperament. So all these factors indicate that, if given an opportunity, he can develop into a Test cricketer,” said the outgoing India batting coach.
Rinku has so far played 47 first-class matches in his career and has 3173 runs to his name at an average of 54.70, including 7 centuries and 20 half-centuries. With India lined up to play six Test matches at home in the next few months, Rinku might get a look in in the Test squad for Bangladesh or the New Zealand series.
Team India’s outgoing batting coach Vikram Rathour lavished praise on Rinku Singh and said the left-hander is ready to become a successful Test cricketer for India as he has the ability and the first-class experience to shine in the longest format. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
