'He will be a great asset to Indian cricket' - Former India pacer heaps praises on Rinku Singh after his heroic knocks in ongoing T20I series against Australia

Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra showered praise on Rinku Singh for his outstanding performance in the ongoing T20I series against Australia. Rinku, known for his finishing skills playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcased his prowess in the second T20I by scoring a quick 31 off just 9 deliveries. 

The former India pacer Nehra described Rinku as a valuable asset for the India cricket team. He even suggested that while he is currently limited to T20I cricket, consistent performances could potentially earn him a spot in the ODI team as well. In fact, in the first T20I match as well, the star batter was the last man standing and made sure that India crossed the line with just two wickets in hand. Rinku played a match-winning knock of 22 runs off just 14 deliveries.

"This is not the first time he has done it. We all have been discussing his role, his power. Not just about his batting, even with the way he throws himself on the field, it shows he is a great team man. He will be a great asset to Indian cricket. Yes, we are talking only about T20 cricket, but who knows tomorrow he can also be playing ODI cricket," Nehra said on JioCinema.

I can see him playing in 50-over cricket going forward: Nehra

Nehra underscored that he isn't a staunch advocate of the term 'finisher' and clarified that Rinku can be effective even at positions like No. 4 or 5 with enhancements to his game. The legendary left-arm bowler mentioned that when it comes to Rinku Singh, he sees the potential for him to play up the order and can envision him participating in 50-over cricket in the future.

“I am not a big fan of the word 'finisher'. Your opener can be a finisher, if he scores a hundred, he can finish the game and come back. At times, it can be harsh. Let me give you an example if the same Rinku Singh doesn't finish the game once or twice. Coming back to Rinku Singh, he is someone who can even play up the order, I can see him playing in 50-over cricket going forward. He can bat at No. 4, No. 5 or No. 6,” Nehra explained.