Star batter Rinku Singh's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad has sparked debate. The left-handed batsman had a stellar year, scoring a phenomenal average of 176.23 in 15 T20Is, with 11 unbeaten knocks. Despite this impressive record, he finds himself among the reserves alongside Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. Possible reasons for the surprise omission are being discussed. Meanwhile, batting great Sunil Gavaskar suggests Rinku's recent dip in form during the ongoing IPL might have played a role. The selectors may have prioritised players currently performing at their peak for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Sunil Gavaskar explains Rinku Singh's absence from India's T20 WC main squad
Sunil Gavaskar further pointed out Rinku's limited opportunities in KKR so far in the IPL 2024 as a contributing factor behind his absence in India's main squad. Rinku was often overshadowed by Venkatesh Iyer in the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) batting order this season, restricting him to just 82 deliveries faced thus far.
"Maybe his form in this particular edition of the IPL hasn't been great. He hasn't had that many opportunities (with KKR), maybe that's the reason why they've (selectors) not picked him," Gavaskar told Sports Today.
In the ongoing IPL 2024, Rinku has managed 123 runs across eight innings, with an average of 20.50 and two not-outs. However, his failure to post a substantial score may have been detrimental; his highest tally of 26 runs for the Knight Riders possibly influenced the selectors' decision to favor others, such as Shivam Dube, who has performed exceptionally for the Chennai Super Kings. Once again, Rinku's omission from the main squad highlights the fierce competition for places in the Indian team. Despite a commendable track record in 15 previous T20Is, it seems his recent performances likely led to his non-selection for the 15-member tour squad.
There's still a chance for Rinku Singh to squeeze onto the final World Cup squad! The ICC allows teams to tweak their rosters until May 25, so an injury or stellar performance could open the door for him. India will kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland on June 5, followed by their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan in New York on June 9. However, only time will tell whether Rinku breaks into India's T20 World Cup's main squad or not.
India’s Fixtures for T20 World Cup 2024-(Group A matches)
| Date | Match | Venue |
| 5 June | India vs Ireland | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| 9 June | India vs Pakistan | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| 12 June | USA vs India | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York |
| 15 June | India vs Canada | Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill |
India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
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