Former Indian batsman Kris Srikkanth criticized the selectors for omitting Rinku Singh from the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Team India finalized their 15-player squad for the major event on Tuesday, April 30th.
Although no explicit justification has been given for Rinku’s exclusion, numerous fans and pundits were surprised by the decision. In his brief international tenure, the 26-year-old appeared to cement his role as India’s T20I finisher, boasting an average of 89 at a strike rate of 176.23 in 15 matches.
Discussing the selection on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth openly expressed his belief that Rinku Singh was unfairly singled out.
“He has played match-winning knocks in South Africa. Remember the game against Afghanistan in which Rohit scored a hundred? India were 22 for 4, from there, they scored 212. Rinku played a crucial Knock. He has given his all whenever he played for India.”
“This is rubbish, rubbish selection. Why do you need 4 spinners? All of them have to go? You have made the selection to please a few people and you have made Rinku Singh a scapegoat,” said Srikkanth.
Rinku made his debut for India in late 2023 following an impressive IPL 2023 season, demonstrating his adaptability in various challenging scenarios. However, in the current IPL season, he has had limited chances to bat due to KKR’s strong top order. Rinku has only faced 82 deliveries in nine matches, resulting in a modest average of 20.
“Rinku Singh deserved a spot, even if it meant Yashasvi Jaiswal had to be dropped”- Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth reaffirmed his stance, emphasizing that Rinku Singh was one of the indispensable players from the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. In his most recent outing for Team India, the youngster played a crucial innings, scoring 69 runs off 39 balls to rescue the team from a precarious position of 22/4.
“I am not at all happy. C’mon all of you. Rinku Singh has been spoken about all over the world. He has performed in each and every opportunity he has got. How can you drop Rinku Singh? You drop anyone else, it doesn’t matter. In my view, Rinku Singh should have been there, even if that meant you had to drop Yashasvi Jaiswal,” said Srikkanth.
Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team will aim for their second T20 World Cup victory and their first ICC trophy since 2013. Their journey commences with a match against Ireland in New York on June 5th.
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