India’s T20 World Cup Squad: The announcement of India’s T20 World Cup squad for the 2024 edition has sparked controversies and raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. Among the notable exclusions from the final 15-member squad is Rinku Singh, the explosive finisher, known for his prowess in the later overs.
Rinku’s omission from the squad has drawn parallels to the fate suffered by Ambati Rayudu in the 2019 World Cup. Despite consistent performances leading up to the tournament, both players found themselves sidelined when it mattered the most, leaving fans and pundits alike baffled by the selection decisions.
Take a Look at the India’s T20 World Cup Squad 2024
Victim of the Impact Player Rule
Rinku Singh, the star finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was poised to secure a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, his dreams were dashed when he fell prey to the controversial Impact Player Rule, according to a BCCI source. This rule, purportedly aimed at rewarding players who make a significant impact in IPL matches, ended up working against Rinku despite his consistent performances in the past.
Rinku Singh’s Track Record
Rinku Singh’s journey as a dependable T20 finisher was marked by consistent performances and remarkable statistics. His extraordinary average of 89.0 and a striking strike rate of 176.24 in T20 Internationals showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. Despite limited opportunities in IPL 2024, Singh’s past achievements spoke volumes about his potential to shine on the international stage.
Struggles of Rinku in IPL 2024
Despite his stellar run in the preceding seasons, Rinku’s performance in IPL 2024 failed to meet expectations. In nine matches, he managed to score only 123 runs off 82 deliveries, a stark contrast to his earlier feats. His inability to replicate his past success in the current IPL season raised doubts about his form and suitability for the T20 World Cup squad.
Fans Outcry Over Omission of Rinku
News of Rinku Singh’s omission from the T20 World Cup squad triggered a wave of disappointment and frustration among fans and pundits. Social media platforms were inundated with criticism aimed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with many questioning the rationale behind overlooking a player of Singh’s calibre. Former cricketers also expressed their dismay, labelling the decision as “puzzling” and urging for transparency in the selection process. Recently social media has been outraged with the demand for ‘JUSTICE FOR Rinku Singh’
Considering the BCCI Source’s Perspective
According to a statement from a BCCI source provided to PTI on conditions of anonymity, “No doubt, Rinku paid the price for the Impact Player Rule. He is plain and simple unlucky. Hardik might be in poor form but he is still India’s best seam bowling all-rounder and it would have been a risk dropping him considering he is the only one who has bowled.”
Drawing Parallels with Ambati Rayudu
Rinku Singh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad was similar to Ambati Rayudu‘s situation in the 2019 World Cup. Despite doing well before the tournaments, Rayudu didn’t make it to the final squad, making people wonder why. Rayudu had scored 392 and 247 runs in 2018 and 2019 respectively, proving himself as a good middle-order batsman. He even had a great IPL season in 2019. However, he was left out, and Vijay Shankar was chosen instead, which upset many fans. Rayudu tweeted about being a “3D” player, hinting at his frustration. This shows that selecting players for teams in Indian cricket can sometimes be tricky and not just about performance.
Despite Rinku Singh’s exclusion from this T20 World Cup squad, we hold hope that his impressive track record will convince selectors to include him in future matches and give him a chance to justify his role in the team for the nation.
Stay tuned for further updates!
