Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of team India’s T20I team, was in front of media on Monday, was asked why the management prioritizes an all-rounder like Shivam Dube over a finisher like Rinku Singh. In response, the captain jokingly said that he knows about the team combination before him. He also defended the decision to include Dube in the team.
Suryakumar Yadav said, “He (Shivam Dube) is an all-rounder, so he and Hardik are all-rounders. So you can’t compare an all-rounder with a finisher.”
Why Rinku Singh is not in the team?
Suryakumar Yadav further said, “The thing is, all the batsmen from three to seven are capable of batting at any position. So it depends on when the batsman comes to bat. We have to be really flexible during that time. And also, in terms of the team, before us, you will already know what the team will look like or not, but yes, there are more chances. The team has been looking good, strong, so I am very happy with it.”
Suryakumar also heaped praise on Shivam Dube and mentioned the balance he brings to the team combination. “I think what you saw even in the Asia Cup – when he was bowling the new ball – it opened up a lot of options, a lot of combinations for us with regards to the playing XI. That’s what he brings to the table, his experience. The way he has performed really well in all the matches, all the good games, all the big games – ICC events, ACC events – I think that experience will matter a lot. And his presence will definitely give a good balance to the team.”
Last few matches of Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh hasn’t been in the best of form in his last 10 innings. He has scored 134 runs in ten innings at an average of 16.75 and a strike rate of 128.84. His highest score during this period is 53. While the statistics paint a disappointing picture of his form, a lack of consistent opportunities has only exacerbated his woes. Meanwhile, the left-hander is playing for Uttar Pradesh in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.