IND vs ENG, 4th T20I: Rinku Singh return boosts India’s march for series win in Pune

IND vs ENG, 4th T20I: Rinku Singh return boosts India’s march for series win in Pune

Rinku Singh is among the leading T20 specialists at India’s disposal. He made a seamless transition from the Indian Premier league (IPL) to the international arena during the 2023-24 season, when India put on a relentless bilateral T20I onslaught. However, the last 12 months have been topsy-turvy for Rinku.

He remained in the reserves during India’s triumphant T20 World Cup last year, and his quest to be considered for the longer formats is still a work in progress.

Now, in 2025, Rinku sustained a back-spasm during India’s series-opener against England last week that ruled him out for the last two games. His absence hurt India as its batters succumbed to England’s aggressive bowling plans during a moderate chase in Rajkot. They only made it past in the second contest in Chennai courtesy of Tilak Varma’s heroics.

Hence, Rinku’s availability for the penultimate rubber of the five-match series, to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s stadium in Pune, was on top of everyone’s mind.

India had a reason to smile on the eve of the match when the left-handed batter stepped on to the field for the warm-ups. By the time Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, confirmed his availability for Friday’s game and returned to the field, Rinku was already batting in the nets.

He looked at ease while tonking India’s spinners – something that England batters have struggled to achieve – and pacers alike. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will be hoping for Rinku to fire – should the need arise – against a four-pronged England pace attack that crippled India’s run chase in Rajkot.

Rinku’s addition as a finisher will certainly help the India think-tank to persist with its obsession of left- and right-hand combination at the crease. More importantly, it will give Hardik Pandya a much-needed support in the role of a finisher. Rinku’s ability to clear the field under pressure will mean Hardik can also free his arms up more often that he did in Rajkot.

If Rinku manages to stave off the fiery challenge of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, India will in all likelihood be able to travel to Mumbai with yet another home series win, with a match to spare.

While Rinku is likely to replace Dhruv Jurel – who was wasted at No. 8 in the last match – India will be hoping for Mohammed Shami to get into even better rhythm with the ball. With an eye on the Champions Trophy, India will want Shami to keep building towards the bigger challenge.

England, meanwhile, will be hoping to crack the Varun Chakravarthy riddle before time runs out. Unless Jos Buttler and Co. manages to save its wickets, it will have an uphill task to keep the series alive.