The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League will unfold in the mode of a Mega Auction. The recent news of the retention list being released by the ten participating franchises has stirred up a lot of talk, primarily relating to some shocking releases of commendable contributors to their respective teams.

Though it also comprises the right performers being retained, the upcoming mega auctions would be a wild ride, with several top names making an entry under the hammer. But, there have been some retentions that were a steal and absolutely worth it. That said, here's a list of the top 5 best retentions made before the start of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians- INR 18 Crore)

Jasprit Bumrah has been hailed as one of the best fast bowlers in the modern cricketing generation. Arising as a 2013 young pacer with Mumbai Indians, Bumrah's evolution as a reliable quickie is something not to forget. He has done it all, be it giving a nightmare to the batters in the powerplay or turning the game around by taking wickets during the final stages.

It was unsurprising to find his career shuttler retaining him for the highest amount of INR 18 Crore, signifying his importance in the future. In his 2024 IPL stint, he was the lone warrior in Mumbai Indians' disastrous campaign by scalping 20 wickets in 14 matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker of that edition. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad- INR 6 Crore)

Sunrisers Hyderabad has become one of the franchises that has given several emerging cricketers who have grown and significantly impacted the sporting world. Nitish Kumar Reddy is an emerging player from the Orange Army who has caught fanatics' eyes thanks to his commendable all-rounder performances in just a few appearances.

He was awarded the Emerging Player of the Tournament for his colossal 303 runs and three wickets in 13 matches. With him making a stellar international debut in the recent T20I series Bangladesh, it is not surprising to find him getting retained for just INR 6 Crores, which is a steal. 

Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians- INR 8 Crore)

Tilak Varma is another emerging season campaigner who helped bolster Mumbai Indians' middle-order attack in the previous edition. By retaining him for INR 8 Crore, there is no doubt that it was a steal deal, as they primarily focused on the future prospects and were eager to have players onboarded for the long run.

Though they had many options to retain, Tilak Varma completes the balance quotient for the Mumbai Indians retention list, as it already comprises two strong top-order batters (Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav), one lethal pacer (Jasprit Bumrah) and a reliable captain all-rounder (Hardik Pandya). In his 2024 tenure, Varma has made 416 runs in 13 matches at a commendable average of over 42. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Worst Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders- INR 13 Crore)

Rinku Singh joined the Knight Riders in 2018 for a base fee of Rs 50 lakh and has remained with them since then. In his first few seasons, he did not get enough playing time. However, since 2023, he has increased in prominence. He became one of KKR's top finishers, capable of leading them to victory even in challenging situations. Rinku demonstrated the ability to maintain his calm under pressure.

As his success shows, he was retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering INR 13 crore, signifying a 2264% hike. This also demonstrates how hard work and growth go hand in hand. In the 2024 edition, Rinku Singh made 168 runs in 14 matches, which might indicate low numbers, but the swashbuckling batter has always been a vital asset to the three-time champions. 

Sai Sudharshan (Gujarat Titans- INR 8.5 Crore)

Sai Sudharshan is another name to be added to the best retention list and an emerging player to check out. The Gujarat Giants retention list comprises an optimum mix of experienced and emerging players, with Sudharshan on the emerging side. Starting with a base salary of just INR 20 Lakh, he will get an enormous INR 8.5 Crore, indicating a 4150% hike.

His clean and power-hitting approach has brought him to fame; hence, this result is shown in the retention list of the 2022 champions. He had a memorable time with the bat in the previous edition, as he made 527 runs in just 12 matches with a century, making him the highest run-scorer for the team during that tournament. 

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced on Tuesday, September 10, that star batter Rinku Singh has been added to the India B squad for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. Rinku replaces Rishabh Pant, who played in the first round as part of his preparation for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Pant scored a rapid 61 off 47 balls in the second innings after falling for just seven runs in the first. With Pant released to join the Bangladesh Test squad, Rinku Singh will now bolster India B’s batting lineup.

Alongside Pant, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been replaced by Suyash Prabhudessai, while left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who earned his maiden India call-up for the Bangladesh Tests, will also miss the second round after an impressive debut against India A.

India A have seen a major reshuffle with captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep replaced by Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, and Aaqib Khan. Mayank Agarwal will now lead India A.

In India B, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant have been called to the national team, with Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh stepping in. Yash Dayal has earned his first national call-up, while Sarfaraz Khan will play one more match before joining the national squad.

Strong start for India B and key player updates

India B kicked off their Duleep Trophy campaign with a commanding 76-run win over India A. Musheer Khan was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 181 on his debut, rescuing the team from a precarious 94/7 situation. Fast bowler Akash Deep also impressed, taking 9 wickets for 116 runs across both innings.

In addition to Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, several big names including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep have been released from India A to join the national squad for the Bangladesh series. All-rounder Axar Patel, who shone in the first round with a score of 86 and three wickets, will also leave India D for international duties, with Nishant Sindhu set to replace him.

See Also: Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test in Noida sees unique approach with grass cutting and fans for outfield drying

Updated India A squad: Mayank Agarwal (C), Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat, Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, SK Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Aaqib Khan

Updated India B squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (WK), Suyash Prabhudessai, Rinku Singh, Himanshu Mantri (WK)

Updated India D squad: Shreyas lyer (C), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, Sanju Samson (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vidwath Kaverappa

Outgoing batting coach Vikram Rathour from Team India recommended Rinku Singh’s inclusion in the Test squad. Rathour praised Rinku for his temperament, seeing him as a perfect fit for Test cricket.

During his time as Team India’s batting coach under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, Rathour closely watched Rinku’s progress. Despite Rinku’s success in white-ball cricket, particularly as a T20I finisher, Rathour believed he possessed the skills and technical prowess needed for Test cricket.

“One of the players to have moved up the ladder in the past two seasons is Rinku Singh, who has played two ODIs and 20 T20Is, but can’t be called a regular in the national side yet. He is a fantastic finisher in short-format cricket, but also averages 54.70 after 69 first-class innings,” Rathour told PTI, 

From IPL star to international debut

Rinku became well known during IPL 2023 and played his first international T20 matches against Ireland last year. He also started playing ODIs during the series against South Africa in December 2023.

Although Rinku didn’t secure a spot in Team India’s 15 member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, he traveled as a reserve player, sparking disappointment among fans and experts. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that omitting Rinku was a tough decision for the committee.

Rathour’s vision for Rinku in Tests

Rathour highlighted that while Rinku has made a name for himself in T20Is, he envisioned the batter thriving in Test cricket as well.

“When I see him bat in nets, I can’t find any technical reasons why Rinku cannot be a successful Test batter,” Rathour said. “I understand he has made his name as a terrific finisher in T20 cricket, but if you look at his first-class record, he is averaging in high 50s.

“He is also blessed with a very calm temperament. So all these factors indicate that, if given an opportunity, he can develop into a Test cricketer.”

In his T20I 20 appearances, Rinku has scored 416 runs at a strike rate of 176.27, including two fifties. It remains to be seen if he will receive an opportunity in Test cricket in the future.

Sanju Samson was the star of the match as India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs to win the series 4-1 on Sunday, July 14.

Samson led India to a 42 run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare, ending the series with a 4-1 score. His impressive 58 runs and Mukesh Kumar’s great bowling secured the win. Zimbabwe struggled with their middle order and couldn’t chase 168 runs, getting bowled out for 125.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Raza bowled the first over with a no ball that Yashasvi Jaiswal hit for six. After another six on the free hit, Raza bowled Jaiswal out.

Sanju Samson Leads India to Victory

Zimbabwe’s bowlers were disciplined and took the wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, reducing India to 40 for 3 in 5 overs. Samson quickly found form, stabilizing the innings with Riyan Parag, adding 65 runs together.

After Parag’s dismissal, Samson accelerated with help from Shivam Dube, who scored 26 off 12 balls. Samson’s 58 off 45 balls was crucial before Zimbabwe fought back by taking his wicket. Rinku Singh’s final hits pushed India’s total to 167 in 20 overs, setting a challenging target.

Zimbabwe Struggles with the Chase

Zimbabwe’s chase started badly, with Mukesh Kumar dismissing Wessley Madhevere for a duck in the first over. He took Brian Bennett’s wicket in his second over and nearly got Tadiwanashe Marumani out, but a no ball saved Marumani, who then attacked Ravi Bishnoi.

Marumani and Dion Myers added 44 runs before Washington Sundar dismissed Marumani. Myers and Raza built another partnership, but things fell apart after Myers was dismissed by Dube. Zimbabwe collapsed from 85 for 3 to 90 for 6 in two overs, including a mix up leading to Raza’s run-out. Abhishek Sharma took another wicket, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 94 for 7.

Faraz Akram’s late hitting provided some excitement, but Mukesh Kumar finished the job, ending with 4-22 as India won the series 4-1.

Indian youngsters shine despite criticism

After losing the first T20I, India’s young players faced criticism, labeled as IPL stars. However, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravi Bishnoi stepped up, ensuring an easy series win.

The inclusion of World Cup squad members like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shivam Dube strengthened the team, proving too much for Zimbabwe. Shubman Gill’s effective captaincy also contributed to the success, leaving him pleased with his team’s performance.

With an upcoming tour in Sri Lanka, it’s uncertain who will join the T20I series as India begins a new chapter under Gautam Gambhir.

Gill though impressive as captain, faced mixed reviews for his batting. As the series top run scorer, his choice to open the innings over emerging players like Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma sparked debate. Gill might consider batting at No. 3 to secure his place in the T20I team, taking inspiration from players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on adapting and thriving in the format.

India beat Zimbabwe by 23 runs in the third T20I on Wednesday, July 10, at Harare Sports Club. India chose to bat first and scored 182/4 in 20 overs, with a fantastic 66 off 49 balls from captain Shubman Gill. In response, Zimbabwe managed only 159/6 in their 20 overs.

Zimbabwe had a tough start. Avesh Khan 2-39 dismissed Wessly Madhevere in the second over, and Khaleel Ahmed got Tadiwanashe Marumani out for 13. Brian Bennett was caught by Ravi Bishnoi, and captain Sikandar Raza 15 off 16 was out to Washington Sundar 3-15.

Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed dominate early overs

Zimbabwe was struggling at 39/5 after seven overs. Dion Myers and Clibe Madande 37 off 26 put up a 77-run partnership to keep Zimbabwe in the game.

Madande was caught by Rinku Singh off Sundar in the 17th over, leaving Zimbabwe at 116/6. Myers kept fighting and scored his first T20I fifty 65* off 49, but it wasn’t enough to win the match.

India’s bowling unit seals the victory

Earlier, India started well with a 67-run opening stand between Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal 36 off 27. Sikandar Raza 2-24 got Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma out in quick succession, but Ruturaj Gaikwad (49 off 28) and Gill added 72 runs for the third wicket.

Late contributions from Sanju Samson 12* off 7 and Gaikwad helped India reach 182/4. Blessing Muzarabani 2-25 also took two wickets for Zimbabwe. With this win, India leads the series 2-1 and will look to secure the series win in the fourth game on Saturday, July 13, at the same venue.

The players of Team India and their head coach Rahul Dravid will each get Rs 5 crore from the Rs 125 crore prize money announced by the BCCI after winning the T20 World Cup 2024.

The BCCI has given a Rs 125 crore cash prize to Team India’s players, coaches, support staff, and senior selection committee members for winning the T20 World Cup 2024.

Breakdown of Rs 125 crore reward distribution

Most of the reward will go to the players and head coach Rahul Dravid. According to the Indian Express, the 15 main squad players, including those who didn’t play a match, and Dravid will each get Rs 5 crore. The three players who didn’t play a match are Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Dravid’s coaching staff – batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip – will each get Rs 2.5 crore. The five-member senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will each get Rs 1 crore.

Team India’s four reserve players – Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed – will each get Rs 1 crore.

The team’s three physiotherapists (Kamlesh Jain, Yogesh Parmar, and Thulasi Ram Yuvraj), three throwdown specialists (Raghavindraa Dvgi, Nuwan Udeneke, and Dayanand Garani), two masseurs (Rajeev Kumar and Arun Kanade), and the strength and conditioning coach (Soham Desai) will each get Rs 2 crore.

“Players and support staff have been told about the prize money they will get from the BCCI and have been asked to submit an invoice,” said a BCCI source.

The report noted that the Indian contingent for the 2024 T20 World Cup comprised 42 people. In addition to players, coaches, support staff, and selectors, the video analyst, BCCI staff members, media officers, and logistics manager will also receive rewards.

India bounced back strongly in the series with a resounding 100-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare. Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad led the charge as India leveled the series on Sunday, July 7th.

In a thrilling comeback, the young Indian team dominated Zimbabwe in the second T20I. Abhishek Sharma played a stellar innings, smashing a sensational century to propel India to a massive total of 234 runs. Zimbabwe struggled right from the start, managing to score only 134 runs in response, thanks to outstanding bowling performances by Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mukesh Kumar.

Zimbabwe’s early charge and subsequent collapse

Zimbabwe began their chase aggressively, with Brian Bennett hitting boundaries early on. However, his departure after a quickfire 26 marked the start of Zimbabwe’s downfall. They lost wickets consistently, finding themselves at 76/7 by the 12th over. Luke Jongwe and Wessley Madhvere tried to revive the innings, but Zimbabwe eventually succumbed, getting all out in the 18.4 overs.

Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan stood out with their superb bowling. Bishnoi conceded just 11 runs in his spell and took crucial wickets, while Avesh Khan troubled the batsmen with his pace and aggression.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive century

The match belonged to Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played pivotal roles with their contrasting yet effective batting styles. Abhishek Sharma, after a slow start unleashed his aggression to score a maiden T20I century. He hit 8 sixes and 7 boundaries in his explosive innings, dominating the Zimbabwean bowlers.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his class with an unbeaten 77 off 47 balls, paying homage to MS Dhoni on his birthday. The duo’s partnership of 137 runs set India on course for their highest-ever T20I total against Zimbabwe.

Rinku Singh also made a significant contribution, smashing 48* off just 22 balls towards the end of the innings, further bolstering India’s formidable total.

With this win India has tied the series 1-1 there are still three matches to go.

Shubman Gill, leading a young Indian team without senior players, has announced the opening pair for the first T20I against Zimbabwe. This series marks the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, kicking off their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Gill himself will open alongside the in-form Abhishek Sharma in the series opener at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, July 6th.

“I will open with Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at No. 3,” Gill told reporters on the eve of the match.

Abhishek Sharma Prepares for Maiden T20I Cap Alongside Gill

Abhishek, known for his explosive batting in the IPL with 484 runs at a stunning strike rate of 204.22, will earn his first T20I cap. The left hander’s aggressive batting style in the powerplay overs could be crucial in Harare’s slower conditions. His debut is well-deserved, and the young player from Punjab is expected to capture attention with his attacking approach.

In this series against Zimbabwe, India has rested most of their World Cup-winning players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Only five members are Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Yashavi Jaiswal, Khaleel Ahmed, and Sanju Samson included in the squad. However, Dube, Jaiswal, and Samson, who were part of the main World Cup squad, will miss the first two T20Is due to extended celebrations following their victory. Jitesh Sharma, Sai Sudharshan, and Harshit Rana will replace them for these matches.

India’s revised squad for the Zimbabwe tour

Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube.

India vs Zimbabwe 2024 schedule

1st T20I on July 6, Saturday
2nd T20I on July 7, Sunday
3rd T20I on July 10, Wednesday
4th T20I on July 13, Saturday
5th T20I on July 14, Sunday

The Indian cricket fraternity buzzes with anticipation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently disclosed the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Led by the seasoned campaigner Rohit Sharma, the squad boasts experience and youthful exuberance, aiming to clinch glory on the global stage.

The selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar ignored some deserving players from the squad. Instead of these deserving players, BCCI selected the quota of players. Let’s look at the 5 players who deserved a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. 

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

1.Rinku Singh: The ‘Finisher’ and His Reserve Position

Amidst the roster reveals, the absence of Rinku Singh from the primary squad raised eyebrows. Known for his adept finishing skills, Singh earned acclaim in international cricket yet found himself among the reserve players. Singh’s stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL underscored his potential, but a lacklustre season hindered his selection. Rinku scored 356 runs in 15 T20 International matches, including 2 half-centuries. During this period his strike rate has been 176.23.

Surely, he deserved a place in a 15-member squad because Team India needs a finisher in the lower order, and in recent times, no one has been a better finisher than Rinku Singh. Speaking on his exclusion, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated it is really unfortunate, it is not his fault that he missed out. It’s about combinations.

2.Shubman Gill: From IPL Stardom to Reserve Opener

Shubman Gill’s journey from IPL prominence to the reserve bench showcases the fickleness of cricketing fortunes. Despite an illustrious IPL 2023 campaign and captaincy at Gujarat Titans, Gill’s tepid performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 led to his reserve player status. 

Gill scored 890 runs in IPL 2023 with the help of 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries. After this, he became the Gujarat Titans captain in IPL 2024. His prowess as an opener remains, but consistency eluded him this season. This season of IPL, Gill has scored 320 runs in 10 matches.

Gill’s performance could have been better this season, but his attitude as a player and skipper increased under the mentorship of Ashish Nehra in IPL. The way he treated his boys on the field is just fascinating for every Indian cricket fan because everyone sees the next Indian skipper in him, and his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad is nothing but a ridiculous decision from selectors.

3.Ravi Bishnoi: Struggles and Competition in the Spin Department

Ravi Bishnoi’s narrative embodies the competitive nature of cricketing selection. Initially touted as a prospect, Bishnoi’s recent form faltered, facing stiff competition from counterparts like Yuzvendra Chahal. With limited opportunities and subpar performances, Bishnoi’s inclusion in the squad became uncertain.

On the back of consistent performance in the IPL, he was fast-tracked to the national setup as well, and since his debut in 2022, he has featured in 24 T20Is and 1 ODI. For a wicket-taker bowler, he has only had five wickets at an average of 41.80 in eight matches and has leaked runs at 8.47. 

As per BCCI rule, they want new boys should play more matches, so why have they haven’t picked Ravi Bishnoi in the squad? He has that ability, which you want in any player to perform at the international level. Although his ranking in ICC Men’s T20I bowler is 6, now what do you want from a player?

4.KL Rahul: A Batsman in Tough Competition

KL Rahul’s predicament epitomizes the selection dilemma posed by an abundance of talent. Despite commendable performances for Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul grapples with the presence of formidable openers ahead of him in the pecking order. The fierce competition, coupled with stylistic similarities, complicates Rahul’s path to selection.

Based on runs scored, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul makes a solid case to be selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad with 406 runs in ten matches, striking at 142.95 and 5th place in the Orange Cap list. 

He will be the best option if it comes down to choosing the backup openers. He has a lot of experience and can also be picked from a backup wicketkeeper’s perspective. 

Talking about his selection, Ajit explained, “KL’s a terrific player, we all know that. We were looking for guys who bat at the middle and KL bats at the top. Sanju can come down the order. Rishabh is batting at 5; that was more the thinking. Two incredible players as well”.

If we take a deep dive into this statement, we might see the hypocrisy of BCCI. Just one year before, when Team India didn’t have any player to bat at no.4, KL was there; India wanted an opener, then KL was there. Even KL bats from opening to no.6 position; what else do you want? KL opens in IPL, but BCCI clarified that they are not looking at IPL performances to select players. Then why they haven’t picked KL Rahul in the squad is a mystery.

5. T Natarajan: Deserving Selection and IPL Performance

In contrast, the inclusion of T Natarajan resonates with merit and performance. The Sunrisers Hyderabad’s left-arm pacer showcased remarkable prowess in the IPL 2024, securing 15 wickets in eight matches. Natarajan’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and an impressive economy rate solidified his berth in the squad.

Currently, he is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Possessing an uncanny knack for delivering precise yorkers and maintaining stringent lines, Natarajan has emerged as an effective bowler in the death overs. 

Before the squad announcement former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar already stated that SRH left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan deserved a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

“I was thinking more like T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer bowler. He has been bowling extremely well. So, I thought maybe he could have been in the team. But that’s okay. I think the seam bowlers that they have got, they all have experience. So no problem with that,” Sunil Gavaskar said while speaking to India Today.

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.

See Also: Know the reason behind Irfan Pathan’s disappointment over MS Dhoni

“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