The anticipation was high, the excitement palpable, but the moment turned sour for Rinku Singh and his family as he was left out of India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Rinku, one of India’s cricket team’s best performers since his debut in August last year, was expected to be on the list.

Rinku Singh’s Performance

Rinku Singh, a promising left-handed batter, has showcased stellar performances since his debut last year. His consistent form for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 had raised hopes of his inclusion in the national squad. Rinku is averaging 89 and has a strike rate 176.23 in T20Is, but he still needs to cut the 15-man squad.

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Surprise Exclusion

The omission of Rinku Singh from the 15-member squad shocked fans and cricket experts alike. Despite his impressive track record, he found himself among the reserves instead. Rinku was not added to the 15-member squad, but he did find a place in the reserves along with Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed.

Family’s Reaction

Rinku’s father, Khanchandra Singh, expressed the family’s disappointment, revealing their preparations for celebrating his selection. However, the news left them saddened. Rinku’s father, Khanchandra Singh, opened up about his son’s exclusion from the squad and said there was sadness over what happened.

“Umeedein to bohot thi aur isliye thoda dukh bhi hai. Hum mithai, patakhe laye the socha that wo 11 mein khelega. (There was hope, which is why there is a bit of sadness. We brought sweets crackers to celebrate, and we thought Rinku would play in the first eleven),” he said in an interview with News 24.

“Uska dil toh tuta hai. Usne apni maa se baat ki aur bataya ki uska naam nahi hai 11 ya 15 mein. Lekin bataya hain ke wo jaa raha hain (He is heartbroken. He spoke to his mother and told her that he was not picked in the 11 or 15. But he also said that he will be travelling with the team,” Rinku’s father said.

Expert Opinions

Legendary cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized the selectors’ decision, citing Rinku’s match-winning performances and questioning the necessity of four spinners in the squad.

“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,” Srikkanth said.

Rinku Singh’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad has left him disheartened and raised questions about the selectors’ decision-making process. While the disappointment may linger, Rinku’s resilience and determination may pave the way for future opportunities in international cricket.