Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube & Rinku Singh: Who Can Be India’s Top Finisher in T20 World Cup 2024?

The players who are contenders for the finishing role for India are playing in the middle order in the IPL. Who looks to be the most prominent of these three?

The T20 World Cup is one of the most eagerly anticipated cricket tournaments globally, and every team seeks players who can deliver match-winning performances under pressure. It is scheduled to be held late this year in the West Indies and the USA, and competing teams are busy preparing a list of their top players.

In this context, India, with its strong batting lineup, has three players vying for the role of the top finisher: Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh. Let’s delve into each of these players’ performances in international cricket and the IPL, their abilities, and their potential to be India’s top finisher at the T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya: The Experienced All-Rounder

During his first stint with the Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya batted in the late-middle order and turned into a brutal player in the final overs of the innings. Even for India, he became reliable in the role at the time. Coming into bat with 75 needed off 38 balls against Australia in Sydney in 2020 Hardik nonchalantly smacked 37 of 18 balls clearing long boundaries with ease to get India over the line.

The all-rounder was at the peak of his powers as a finisher in that phase of his career and could effortlessly clear the boundary at will. “He has a great swing of the bat, a great bat flow with its rhythm and timing of those movements. He also has very good wrists. When you make the point of contact you need to be stable and hit against the strong frontside,” power-hitting Guru Julian Wood told this publication once.

However, his powers as a finisher started to decline steeply after 2020. In Gujarat Titans, Hardik started to bat as the middle order batter who would take his time initially consolidating the innings before going after the leather in the final overs. In his current stint with Mumbai Indians, as the top order was congested, Hardik was forced to go down to his previous role at the franchise.

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In three opportunities where he had to finish in high-pressure chases so far in the season against Gujarat Titans, Sunirisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings Hardik failed. He also seems to struggle to clear the ball from word go.

Can his experience earn him his finisher position back in the T20 World Cup?

Shivam Dube: The Emerging Power-Hitter

With a bat swing similar to Yuvraj Singh and the ability to muscle the spinners into orbit, Dube also has been in monstrous form for Chennai Super Kings this season. He is striking at 163.51 at an average of 60.50. Though there have been reservations about his ability to deal with bumpers with high pace in the past, the way he dealt with Alzarri Joseph and Mohammed Siraj in the opening game against RCB was remarkable.

However, he had breathing space against RCB because of a blistering start from Rachin Ravindra. His actual audition for the job came in against Delhi Capitals when 117 runs in the back 10 were needed but he succumbed to the pressure, ending up with a 18-ball 17 on a decent batting wicket.

Dube’s average and strike rate also fall drastically when coming down the order. He could be a potential finishing candidate for the T20 World Cup though.

Rinku Singh: The Rising Star

Who could forget Rinku’s five sixes against Gujarat Titans which helped Kolkata Knight Riders win a game which was dead and buried? While there was speculation that the knock from him might be a flash in the pan, the batter continued to surprise every time in such adverse situations in the 2023 season.

The remarkable aspect of Rinku’s finishing has been his composure during the final overs combined with his ability to clear boundaries against both spin and pace without breaking a sweat. He has this uncanny ability to find a pocket of space on either side of the wicket to get a low-risk boundary and also possesses the skill to access high-risk boundary options when push comes to shove.

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His performances last year earned him an India call-up in the format and he did meet the expectations. However, things have not gone according to plan for him in the ongoing season for KKR. While the bulk of the work is being done at the top there hasn’t been much need for him and even if there has been a requirement the management has turned to Andre Russell who regained his devastating form.

Right now, Rinku is the most promising finisher who could join the team for the T20 World Cup.

Prediction: Who Will Be India’s Top T20 World Cup Finisher?

Choosing India’s top finisher for the T20 World Cup is no easy task, given the talent and potential of all three players. Hardik Pandya’s experience and proven track record in high-pressure situations give him a clear edge. His capability to contribute with both the bat and the ball makes him an indispensable asset for any team.

Shivam Dube’s power-hitting abilities and left-handed stance add depth to the Indian batting lineup in the T20 World Cup. His aggressive style can be an advantage in the latter stages of the game, providing India with quick runs and a strategic edge.

Rinku Singh, though still relatively new to international cricket, has the potential to be a match-winner for India. His ability to play fearless cricket and finish games when it matters most makes him a player to keep an eye on.

Ultimately, Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities, experience, and leadership skills could make him the frontrunner to be India’s top finisher at the T20 World Cup. But his chances don’t seem too bright with the contributions of Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh. Both players bring their unique styles and talents to the table, giving India a well-rounded lower order in the T20 World Cup.

In conclusion, the competition among Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh for the top finisher role is a positive sign for India’s prospects at the T20 World Cup. As the tournament approaches, their performances will be critical in shaping India’s journey and potentially leading them to T20 glory.