India Faces Pace Selection Dilemma as Shami Returns; Rinku Singh Declared Fit for 4th T20I

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirms India’s bowling conundrum and provides an update on Rinku Singh’s availability.

Pune, January 30: As India prepares for the fourth T20I against England, the team management is grappling with a pace bowling selection dilemma, confirmed assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.

India opted for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in the first two matches, where he impressed as the leader of the attack. However, in the third T20I, Mohammed Shami made his return to international cricket after a long break following the ODI World Cup 2023 final, replacing Arshdeep.

Despite showing his signature seam control, Shami went wicketless, conceding 25 runs in 3 overs at an economy of 8.33.

“I am happy to see him playing again after so long. He bowled pretty well apart from that full toss which slipped out of his hands. It’s just about figuring out how to squeeze him and Arshdeep into the same XI based on the wicket,” said ten Doeschate in the pre-match press conference.

Balancing Spin and Pace a Challenge for Team India

India’s bowling strategy has leaned toward a spin-heavy attack, making it difficult to accommodate both Arshdeep and Shami in the XI. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India needs to find the right pace combination while maintaining balance with spinners.

Rinku Singh Declared Fit, Likely to Return for 4th T20I

Another major concern for India has been the availability of all-rounder Rinku Singh, who missed the last two matches due to back spasms.

🚨 Injury Update:
✔ Rinku Singh has recovered and is expected to return for the fourth T20I.
✔ He batted in the nets and is being monitored for full match fitness.

“I think Rinku is fit. He hurt himself in the first game and missed the next two. But we want to give players enough opportunities to prove themselves. He batted the other night, and I think he’ll be ready,” ten Doeschate confirmed.

What’s Next for India?

✅ Pace Combination: Will India stick with Shami or bring Arshdeep back into the XI?
✅ Middle-Order Boost: With Rinku Singh returning, will India make further changes to strengthen the batting lineup?
✅ Series Momentum: Leading 2-1 in the five-match series, India will look to clinch the series in the fourth T20I on Friday.

As India fine-tunes its squad ahead of the T20 World Cup, all eyes will be on how they balance their bowling attack while ensuring their key players stay in peak form.