Rinku is contender for T20 World Cup spot, but it's too early: Ashish Nehra

Explosive left-hander Rinku Singh has emerged as a "contender" for finisher's spot in India's T20 World Cup squ, according to Ashish Nehra, but former India pacer also believes that batter will face stiff challenge for position from fellow cricketers.

T20 World Cup will be played in West Indies and USA in June next year.

Rinku has been in blazing form in ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia, and, in fourth match in Raipur on Friday, his 46 off 29 balls was vital in India's 3-1 series-clinching 20-run win.

"re is doubt that Rinku Singh is a contender for inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squ," former left-arm pacer told JioCinema.

"But World Cup is still far away and spot he's fighting for has many challengers." Rinku has played some defining kcks in ongoing series. His 31 t out from nine balls played a big role in India's 44-run win in second T20I at Thiruvananthapuram.

With clarity on wher Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be in India's scheme of things for global showpiece, re could be major changes in T20 squ for World Cup and Rinku could emerge as a leing contender for slog overs.

"You can look at Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper-batter) and Tilak Varma. We'll have to discuss positions where Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yav and Hardik Pandya will play," cricketer-turned-commentator said.

"So, we have to see how many spots are available in 15-member squ. But one thing is sure, he (Rinku) has opened everyone's eyes and put everyone under pressure. But re's still a lot of time to go. trip to South Africa is coming up followed by IPL," averred Nehra.

Nehra defended young Indian pace attack, which has been criticised in some quarters for leaking 200-plus totals in first three T20Is against Australia.

squ for five-match series is without stalwarts Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who have been rested.

" conditions for first three matches were different and a lot of bowlers have changed. Your experienced bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested.

"If you speak of Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar, y have just been introduced to international cricket. And n we saw over 200 runs being scored in first three matches. So, it's t that only Indian bowlers leaked runs, even Australia's bowlers have given away a lot of runs.

"In se circumstances, Mukesh Kumar has been a big positive for India. way he has bowled with wet balls, his execution of yorkers and bowling in death overs has been terrific," he ded.