Ajit Agarkar explains reasons behind exclusion of Rinku Singh and KL Rahul from T20 WC squad

Amidst speculation and scrutiny, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sparked controversy with its decision to exclude Rinku Singh from the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Singh’s omission has raised eyebrows within the cricketing community, given his promising performances in IPL 2023 and T20Is for the Indian cricket team.

BCCI Chief Selector’s Explanation

Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of BCCI, shed light on the decision-making process behind Singh’s exclusion. In a press conference, Agarkar clarified that the decision did not reflect Singh’s performance or conduct. Instead, it was based on considerations of team composition and balance.

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“It’s probably the toughest thing we had to discuss [in the selection meeting]. He has done nothing wrong. It’s again the combination as Rohit said we’re not quite sure the conditions we will get,” Agarkar said in the press conference at BCCI HQ on Thursday (May 2).

Agarkar emphasized the importance of balancing the squad, prioritizing versatility and adaptability. Including players like Axar Patel, chosen over Singh, reflects the selectors’ strategic approach to building a well-rounded team capable of handling diverse match situations.

“There were a couple of wrist spinners, Kuldeep and Chahal who were included to give Rohit more options. Axar again as a batting all-rounder. It’s just unfortunate. I don’t think there is anything to do with Rinku Singh and it’s not his fault that he missed out. It’s more the 15 that we felt,” the BCCI chief selector explained.

“We just thought another bowling option might be handy going forward in the tournament. He is still one of the travelling subs, it’s a little bit tough on him but at the end of the day you can only pick 15,” Agarkar concluded.

Analysis of Rinku Singh’s Omission

In 15 T20I matches for India, Rinku Singh has scored 356 runs with an average of 89, while he boasts a strike rate of 176. The 26-year-old also has two fifties to his name in India colours.

Despite Singh’s impressive track record, including notable contributions in IPL and T20Is, his exclusion underscores the tough decisions faced by selectors in finalizing the squad. While Singh was named among the reserves, the competition for a spot in the final fifteen was intense, ultimately resulting in his omission.

Role of Other Players in Squad Selection

Agarkar elaborated on the selection process, highlighting the preference for players like Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson over KL Rahul as first-choice wicket-keepers. Factors such as batting position and versatility influenced the selection of these players over others.

“KL is a terrific player, the thing we were looking at is someone who can bat in the middle. Rishabh is batting at 5 for DC. We felt these two (Samson and Pant) are better. It wasn’t whether KL Rahul is better or Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson better. It was about the batting slots (hence Pant and Samson were picked),” Agarkar said. 

Hardik Pandya’s Role and Vice-Captaincy

Agarkar addressed questions regarding Hardik Pandya’s role in the squad and his appointment as vice-captain. Pandya’s fitness and performance in the ongoing IPL were key considerations, with the hope that he would continue to contribute significantly, especially with his bowling prowess.

“Nothing discussed regards to vice captaincy. He has come agfter a longish layoff. He has gotten through all the games for MI and we have got another month and a little bit till we play our first game. Hope is that he builds on that form. There’s no replacement on what he brings to the team, especially with the ball. His fitness is critical and so far he has gone well in the IPL,” the BCCI chief selector explained.

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma(C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Travelling reserves: Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan