It has been nearly a week since India announced its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, yet the debate over Rinku Singh‘s exclusion continues. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, in a press conference detailing the team selection, mentioned that the selection panel made every effort to include Rinku in the final 15 but were unable to do so. Additionally, Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s preference for four spinners in the squad ultimately limited the available spots.
I will blame KKR management for Rinku Singh’s absence from T20 WC 2024 squad- Ashok Malhotra
While experts have deemed it a well-rounded squad, concerns have been raised about Rinku Singh’s absence. Many feel that Rinku’s limited batting chances in IPL 2024 hindered his ability to shine, impacting his chances of selection. Former India cricketer Ashok Malhotra criticized Kolkata Knight Riders, attributing Rinku’s omission from the T20 World Cup squad to the franchise’s decision to not provide him enough opportunities to display his batting skills. Malhotra, speaking to RevSports, asserted that KKR’s management’s approach led to a decline in Rinku’s form during IPL 2024. He said:
“I will blame KKR management. He was a hero last year. But this year, he hardly got a chance to bat. And now when they are giving him a chance he is off-colour. He lost his form. He doesn’t seem to be in good nick,” Ashok Malhotra told RevSports.
“But despite of that selectors have picked him in the reserves. Although he deserved to be [in the main squad]. Because he is a guy who can bat in the late order. He can be a good finisher and we all know what he can do,” he added.
Rinku Singh delivered a stellar performance for KKR in the previous season, concluding IPL 2023 as the team’s top scorer with 474 runs in 14 matches. His remarkable consistency propelled him into the international arena, where he became a key player for India’s T20 team. However he has struggled to leave a mark with few opportunities he’s received this season, managing only 148 runs in 11 matches. His highest score stands at 26, with a strike rate of 146.53
Rinku Singh delivered a stellar performance for KKR in the previous season, concluding IPL 2023 as the team’s top scorer with 474 runs in 14 matches. His remarkable consistency propelled him into the international arena, where he became a key player for India’s T20 team. However, he has struggled to leave a mark with the few opportunities he’s received this season, managing only 148 runs in 11 games. His highest score stands at 26, with a strike rate of 146.53.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Rinku Singh Receives Support From Sourav Ganguly After T20 WC Snub