In IND vs SL 1st T20I, Rinku Singh gets nod ahead of Shivam Dube
Team India is ready to take on Sri Lanka in a 3-match T20I series. While 3 veterans have hung their boots, it is now time for the youngsters to cement their position in the team. While each one continues to strive hard, a battle or survival wages on between Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. Rinku is expected to get the nod ahead of his counterpart in the India playing XI.
In stark contrast to the ICC T20 World Cup, the roles have been reversed. Rinku Singh was a part of the reserve squad, while ShivamDube featured for the Men in Blue. But come the IND vs. SL series, it will be the former who is expected to start while Dube will have to warm the bench.
After the ICC T20 World Cup, it is safe to say that ShivamDube’s stacks have fallen down considerably. And it is good news for Rinku Singh. The KKR batter is without a doubt the greatest finisher for India in the shortest format of the game. While Dube is an all-rounder, Rinku’s expertise in facing pacers and spinners keeps him ahead of Dube.
Despite India having a long tail in their batting order, it is safe to say that Shivam Dube won’t get a chance. Down the order, Rinku is set to partner Hardik Pandya in the middle. They will be followed by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Sri Lankan pitches too have a huge role to play.
The slow pitches will favor a spinner, which creates a space for Sundar to take a spot in the team. And come Rinku vs. Dube in the head-to-head battle, the former will get the nod ahead of the CSK star.