Legendary cricketer Jacques Kallis believes that Rinku Singh is the ideal batter to be batting at number six for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin in June 2024. Batting at a strike rate of 187.50, the Aligarh-born cricketer has made a significant impact in his short international career so far and hence, Kallis has backed him to take up the finisher’s role in the mega tournament.
The 26-year-old has done the same multiple times for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2023 and following this, he earned his debut call-up in the series against Ireland. Since then, the flamboyant cricketer has scored some quick runs for the national team and became one of the hottest topics of discussion. Meanwhile, Kallis explained Rinku didn’t play silly cricket to reach where he is as he was mature enough to play some really good cricketing shots. Thus, he expects the cricketer to cement his place in the shortest format of the game.
“He's a class act. You know, as we've seen over the last few months, what he's done for India. Finishing games. It's not just silly cricket. It's a real good cricketing shots when it needs to be. He can attack when he needs to do that towards the back end of an innings."
“So you know the ideal batter to be batting at number six. Along with the rest, the team, that's a formidable finishing to an innings. In case one doesn't come off, you know, you've got a few others that can step up and do it. So for me, Rinku should be the number six and given a proper opportunity,” Kallis told Star Sports.
On the other hand, there’s immense competition for the finisher’s role in the Indian team. A lot depends on the status of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as well. IPL performance and Rishabh Pant’s injury status too will play a part but Rinku is one of the players who’s in the scheme of things at the moment.