**Suresh Raina Doubts Rinku Singh’s Spot in India’s Playing XI for 5th T20I Against Australia**
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina has expressed doubts over Rinku Singh securing a place in the Indian playing XI for the fifth and final T20I against Australia. He questioned whether there is room to accommodate the middle-order batter, considering the incumbent players’ strong performances so far.
The series decider will take place in Brisbane on Saturday, November 8. India recently registered a 48-run victory in the penultimate game at Gold Coast on November 6 to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Raina was asked if Rinku Singh would get a chance in the final T20I. He replied,
“After this win, I think they will go for a win in the next game. I don’t know where Rinku Singh can get a place. We haven’t lost a series Down Under after 2008. I feel the confidence you will carry forward into the upcoming matches after winning the series will be extremely important.”
Raina further suggested that India would likely field the same XI, with Rinku only likely to feature in case of an injury.
“Rinku is definitely in the Indian selectors and coaches’ scheme of things, but Jitesh Sharma played well in the last match. Washington Sundar played well again today (Thursday). I feel they can play this match with the same team, unless someone has an injury. Then you can give Rinku a chance. However, I feel it will be the same playing XI,” he added.
Currently, Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy are the only two Indian squad members yet to play in the T20I series. Nitish Kumar Reddy missed the first three matches due to neck spasms while recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained during the preceding ODI series.
—
### Parthiv Patel on Rinku Singh’s Opportunities Ahead of T20 World Cup 2025
Speaking on Star Sports, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel shared his views on Rinku Singh’s prospects. He believes Rinku will get opportunities before next year’s T20 World Cup, even if he is not selected for the final match against Australia.
“The World Cup will definitely be on the Indian team’s mind, but giving opportunities to players will not be a priority. Obviously, Rinku Singh will get opportunities before the World Cup. You might see it in the next match or in the South Africa matches,” said Patel.
As the assistant coach of Gujarat Titans (GT), Patel urged Rinku to remain patient, pointing out that all players in the XI are capable contributors.
“It’s not like Rinku will keep sitting out till the World Cup. He needs to be a little patient because he is a quality player. However, whether it is Tests, ODIs, we talk more about whichever player is not playing, but whoever is playing is an equally capable player and is winning us matches. So, be patient, you will get opportunities,” Parthiv observed.
—
### Rinku Singh’s Recent Form
Rinku Singh has amassed 550 runs at an impressive strike rate of 161.76 across 25 T20I innings. However, in 2024, he has featured in only four T20Is, scoring 43 runs at a strike rate of 130.30 in three innings.
—
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025, live scores, match schedules, points tables, team results, and squad news for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, and PBKS.
*Edited by Kartik Iyer*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-know-rinku-singh-can-get-place-csk-legend-batter-s-chances-figuring-india-s-xi-aus-vs-ind-2025-5th-t20i
