ANI
21 Mar 2026, 21:02 GMT+10
New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to entrust Rinku Singh with greater responsibility in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, suggesting the left-hander be promoted to a more influential number four role in the batting order.
Rinku, a long-serving member of the franchise, enjoyed a breakthrough IPL 2023 season, making 474 runs. He also played a crucial role in the franchise's title-winning campaign in the 2024 edition.
But in the last season, he was pushed as low as No. 7 and No. 8 on multiple occasions amid a crowded middle order and managed to make just 206 runs in 13 innings.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted the need for KKR to move away from using Rinku purely as a finisher and instead allow him more time at the crease.
'KKR are a little but stuck, aren't they? They have bought Cameron Green; he will play in the top three, or will he have to play at No.4? If I were KKR, I would be saying Rinku Singh at No.4. If two wickets fall in the powerplay, then you can always push Green inside the powerplay. But post the six over mark, Rinku Singh should be given such a chance where he can play for 4-5 overs, and then take on the bowlers,' Ashwin said.
Rinku's recent international outing at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 also proved underwhelming. He managed just 24 runs in five matches and was eventually dropped midway through the tournament, although he remained part of India's title-winning squad.
With KKR expected to undergo a significant batting overhaul following the release of key players like Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell (retired now), Ashwin believes the franchise has a timely opportunity to redefine Rinku's role.
'It has to be a season where Rinku Singh has to do more volume of runs than in the past. Rinku Singh should be given responsibility. He can bat well; he scores big hundreds in the Ranji Trophy as well. I think there is an opportunity for KKR to push Rinku, give him a larger role. I think KKR have resources to surprise teams even when they are not at their best,' Ashwin added.
KKR will begin their IPL campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Herald Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Herald Globe.
More InformationLONDON/DUBAI: Airline disruptions from the Iran war are forcing planes into long detours and even full round-trips back to origin,...
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: New Zealand's government is planning to tighten deportation, asylum, and immigration enforcement rules with...
In a move that has sparked global outrage, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed 19-year-old champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: A week after U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth questioned the appointment of Kari Lake to lead the...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Two days after President Donald Trump called a federal judge who ruled against the administration wacky, nasty, crooked,...
KHIRBET HUMSA, West Bank - Dozens of masked Israeli settlers stormed into Qusai Abu al-Kebash's small village last weekend in the middle...
In a move that has sparked global outrage, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed 19-year-old champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi...
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 21 (ANI): Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran...
New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to entrust...
New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): The former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is 'not a serious title...
(Photo credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images) Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young is dealing with a right quadriceps contusion...
(Photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images) Wimbledon will use video review technology for the first time at the 2026 tournament....
