"You Can Get Him To Bat Anywhere" - Aakash Chopra Lauds Rinku Singh For His Batting In Australia T20Is

Updated - 02 Dec 2023, 11:49 AM

Aakash Chopra and Rinku Singh
Aakash Chopra and Rinku Singh (Image Credits: Twitter)

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded young batter Rinku Singh for his impressive performances in the ongoing T20I series against Australia. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Rinku Singh adapted to various roles and delivered under different circumstances.

Rinku Singh scored 46 runs off 29 deliveries as the Men in Blue reached a total of 174/9 in Raipur on Friday, December 1. The Indian bowlers then restricted Australia to 154-7, securing a 20-run victory. The hosts won the five-match T20I series 3-1 with one game remaining.

This Series Will Be Remembered For Rinku Singh – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted Rinku Singh’s ability to bat effectively in different positions and situations, emphasizing his flexibility. Chopra described Singh’s reverse sweep for a six off Matthew Short as an exceptional hit.

“This series will be remembered for Rinku. He was given different roles in different positions, and he fulfilled them. He was very good. You can get him to bat anywhere. Here he got to bat in the ninth over. The six he hit with a reverse sweep was an exceptional hit,” Chopra said.

I Feel Rinku Singh Wasn’t Out – Aakash Chopra

Chopra expressed his disagreement with the on-field umpire’s decision to give Rinku LBW, suggesting that the ball only marginally clipped the leg stump. Chopra praised Jitesh Sharma for his batting performance, highlighting the significance of the match for him.

“He played till the end, got out in the 20th over. I feel he wasn’t out. The umpire shouldn’t have given it. Benefit of doubt goes to the batter, not to the umpire.”

“Jitesh played well. It was an important match for him because he doesn’t get too many opportunities. He played good shots straight down the ground,” Chopra further added.

Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma formed a crucial partnership, contributing 56 runs for the fifth wicket in 5.2 overs. Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter, played a brisk knock of 35 runs off 19 balls, with the help of one boundary and three maximums.

Have Seen Him Getting Out Quite A Few Times – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator praised Yashasvi Jaiswal for providing India with a strong start but noted his susceptibility to the short ball. Chopra also highlighted Shreyas Iyer’s off day, both in the field and with the bat, emphasizing his struggles in fielding.

“Yashasvi played very well till the time he was there. But he got out to a short ball. Short ball in white-ball cricket – is that a problem? I am not saying it is, but I have seen him getting out quite a few times.”

“Shreyas Iyer didn’t look himself. The ball was not going into his hands in the field, wasn’t able to pick and throw the ball. In batting also, three doubles had come, and then an attempt to play a big shot. From 50 for no loss to 63/3 – wickets fell quickly,” Chopra concluded.

Also read: “Ajju Was Vice-Captain…” – Aakash Chopra Reacts To Ajinkya Rahane’s Non-Selection For SA Tour