Rinku Singh is no longer just a name in the T20 arena. His recent exploits, both on the field and in the India dressing room, have sparked whispers of a longer format future. So, is this left-handed batsman destined for Test whites?
While touring South Africa with the limited-overs squad, Rinku Singh surprisingly found himself staying back for a taste of red-ball conditions. His recent performances, a crucial 69* and a game-changing partnership with Rohit Sharma in the final T20I vs Afghanistan, showcased his composure under pressure. But it’s his temperament and shot selection, not just power hitting, that have caught the eye.
Head coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors seem impressed by Rinku’s maturity and ability to build an innings, even in tricky situations. Even Ravichandran Ashwin couldn’t help but compare him to the legendary MS Dhoni, praising his composure.
Unlike many T20 specialists, Rinku Singh hasn’t neglected first-class cricket. He played a Ranji Trophy match after the South Africa series and made himself available for the ongoing Bihar game. This dedication to the longer format has further fuelled speculation about his Test potential.
What does Chandrakant Pandit think about Rinku Singh?
However, experts like Chandrakant Pandit who is also the coach of Rinku at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL suggest caution. While acknowledging Rinku’s talent and flair for Test cricket, he believes the young batsman shouldn’t be rushed. Pandit suggests focusing on the upcoming IPL and the T20 World Cup first, allowing Rinku to build momentum and solidify his position in the shorter format.
Though favoring a gradual journey, Pandit acknowledges the buzz surrounding Rinku’s Test prospects, hinting at a potential future in the whites.
“Why not?” he argues to Telegraph India. “He is like Sehwag in T20s or Jayasuriya. None can guarantee success but you can’t doubt his abilities. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal have also taken a similar route.”
“At the moment, let him stay on this platform. Give him some time and don’t rush him, he will succeed.”
The team management seems to agree. Their focus is on playing the waiting game, nurturing Rinku Singh’s talent without burning him out. Ultimately, whether Rinku Singh will don the Test whites remains unanswered. But with his dedication, temperament, and growing skillset, it’s a question that will surely resurface soon.
One thing’s for sure: Rinku Singh is no longer just a T20 starlet. He’s a rising star with the potential to shine in any format, and the cricketing world is eagerly watching his journey unfold.
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