The debate around Rinku Singh’s batting position for Kolkata Knight Riders has become a big talking point in IPL 2026.
Some experts believe he should play as a finisher at No. 7, while his numbers suggest he is more effective at No. 5.
Srikkanth’s Opinion on Rinku’s Role
Former India selector Kris Srikkanth shared his thoughts after KKR’s recent loss to Chennai Super Kings.
He said Rinku is better suited for the No. 7 position as a finisher. According to him, Rinku performs best when he has a clear role of finishing games, especially when quick runs are needed in the final overs.
He also pointed out that Rinku may struggle at No. 5 when the required run rate goes above 10, as he is more comfortable rotating strike than building a full innings.
Rinku Singh IPL Stats by Batting Position
However, Rinku’s IPL numbers tell a different story.
| Position | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 5 | 17 | 485 | 40.41 | 140.57 |
| No. 6 | 24 | 423 | 24.88 | 137.78 |
| No. 7 | 8 | 168 | 24.00 | 164.70 |
At No. 5, he has the best average and strong strike rate, which shows he can handle responsibility in the middle order.
Rinku’s Overall T20 Record by Position
Looking at his full T20 career, No. 5 remains his most productive position.
| Position | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 5 | 64 | 1739 | 37.00 | 144.67 |
| No. 6 | 50 | 957 | 33.00 | 145.44 |
| No. 7 | 20 | 304 | 23.38 | 167.95 |
These numbers show that he has scored the most runs and maintained a good strike rate at No. 5.
Also See : IPL 2026 Set to Go Global? Australia Plans Big Move with Adelaide Match Idea
Rinku’s Current Form in IPL 2026
In the ongoing season, Rinku has shown some positive signs.
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Match 1 | 33* |
| Match 2 | 35* |
| Match 3 | 4 |
| Match 4 | 6 |
He has been used regularly at No. 5 under captain Ajinkya Rahane, and has looked comfortable in that role.
What Should KKR Do?
There are two clear approaches for KKR:
- Use Rinku at No. 5 to build innings and finish later
- Keep him at No. 7 as a pure finisher
Based on the numbers, No. 5 looks like a strong option. It gives him more balls to face and allows him to control the innings.
Final Thoughts
While opinions differ, Rinku Singh’s stats clearly support his role at No. 5.
His consistency, average, and overall T20 performance show that he can handle the middle-order role effectively.
KKR may still experiment based on match situations, but the data suggests that Rinku at No. 5 is not a weakness. In fact, it could be one of the team’s strengths going forward.
