Rinku Singh not at fault for missing out on T20 World Cup squad: Ajit Agarkar
Agarkar said it was probably the toughest decision and that it was not Rinku’s fault that he missed out in the squad.
Published : May 02, 2024 17:44 IST , Mumbai - 2 MINS READ
India’s Rinku Singh made his T20I debut in August 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI
His family was ready to burst firecrackers. Instead of celebrating their son’s selection for the T20 World Cup family, Rinku Singh’s family along with a plethora of cricket fans were surprised to see him being omitted from India’s provisional squad. Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the national selection panel, admitted it was a harsh call without the player’s fault.
“It’s probably the toughest thing that we have had to discuss, frankly. He has done nothing wrong, nor a Shubman Gill, for that matter. It’s the combinations. We are not quite sure what conditions we’ll get, so we wanted to try and try and have enough options,” Agarkar said here on Thursday.
“There are a couple of spinners that were included in the squad, Chahal and Kuldeep, to give Rohit more options. It’s just unfortunate. I don’t think it’s anything to do with Rinku Singh.”
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Ever since debuting for India in the shortest format in August last year, Rinku – the designated finisher – has been dismissed only four of the 11 times he has batted in India’s blues. Despite emerging as a reliable finisher, Rinku was overlooked with the selectors preferring to add allrounders Axar Patel and Shivam Dube in his place. As a result, Rinku has to be content with being a travelling reserve.
“It’s not his fault that he has missed out. It’s more the 15 that we felt gives - with two keepers who are both terrific batters, there is already an extra batter sitting out, whoever doesn’t play – the best balance. We just thought to have another bowling option might be handy going forward in the tournament. He is still one of the travelling subs. That’s how close he was. It’s a little bit tough on him, but at the end of the day, you can only pick 15.” Agarkar said.