Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Rinku Singh earned his spot in India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad due to his versatile abilities. Kaif highlighted that the all-rounder’s off-spin could be particularly useful on the spin-friendly pitches in the UAE, allowing him to bowl 2–3 overs effectively.
Kaif’s comments came shortly after Rinku Singh impressed in the 2025 UPT20 League, having taken two wickets in a single over while conceding just one run. Last year, Singh had delivered a similar performance in a tight T20I clash between India and Sri Lanka. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif remarked:
“Rinku Singh’s selection, in my opinion, is because in the UPT20 League, he is bowling as well. Since Washington Sundar is not in the 15-member squad. So even Rinku Singh can bowl 2-3 overs on the UAE pitch.”
Kaif Slams Selectors For Snubbing Iyer In 2025 Asia Cup Squad
Mohammad Kaif also criticized the selectors for overlooking Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer in India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad. The 44-year-old questioned BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar for not including Iyer among the team’s five standby players. He added in the same video:
“Shreyas Iyer’s name didn’t come up; the selectors said that it was a difficult task to fit him in the 15; we could only select 15. I can understand all that. I approve of you in this. But even after praising him, his name wasn’t even in the standbys. There is Jaiswal in the list, and you have Jurel. There is no need for Jurel. If the selectors really like Iyer, he could’ve found a place among the standbys. If someone got injured, he could’ve gone there.”
“You won’t see Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup, which I think was wrong. His name should be in the standbys 100 percent. Speaking of Jurel, you see Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson are already there in the squad. You pick Jurel there, and kept Parag in the standbys. I think there is no justice with Shreyas Iyer,” he added.
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