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Aditya Ighe

T20 WC 2024: Rinku Singh's limited exposure in IPL 2024 worked against him

Updated: May 4

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: Rinku Singh left out of India's T20 WC 2024 squad despite having an average of 89 from 15 T20I matches he has played. Reasons for Rinku Singh's omission.


India vs Australia, 2nd T20I_ Rinku Singh smashed 31 runs off 9 balls _ Walking Wicket (Photo_ ©BCCI_Twitter)
Rinku Singh misses a place in India's T20 WC squad (Photo: ©BCCI/Twitter)

In the realm of cricket, where talent meets opportunity, the narrative often takes unexpected turns. The recent announcement of India's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 brought to light a tale of skill, strategy, and a touch of unfortunate circumstances, especially for Rinku Singh.


Rinku Singh's journey in cricket has been marked by moments of brilliance and promise. His impactful performances, notably in the IPL, have carved a niche for him as a dynamic left-hander capable of turning the tide of a match. However, as the selectors deliberated, the Impact Player Rule emerged as a pivotal factor that played a decisive role in Rinku's omission from the main squad.


Impact Player Rule: Rinku’s Nemesis 

The Impact Player Rule, designed to infuse dynamism into IPL contests, inadvertently shaped Rinku Singh's fate. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he was often designated as a finisher, a role that limited his batting opportunities at the top order. With only 82 balls faced in eight innings before selection, Rinku found himself in a statistical conundrum. In contrast, players like Shivam Dube, benefiting from more game time and strategic utilisation by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), made a stronger case for selection.


CSK's astute handling of Dube, under the tutelage of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, showcased the symbiosis between skill and strategy. Dube's increased ball exposure, averaging 23 balls per game compared to Rinku's 10, empowered him to showcase his power-hitting prowess with 26 sixes and 24 fours. Dhoni's foresight in utilising Dube's core skill on slower pitches not only elevated Dube's profile but also positioned him favourably for national selection.


The 26-year-old's striking strike rate of 176 in 15 games for India, coupled with his ability to anchor innings and deliver impactful performances, should have ideally secured his spot. However, the confluence of limited opportunities due to the Impact Player Rule, combined with the imperative for a balanced squad, led to a difficult decision for the selectors.



IPL 2022, LSG vs KKR, Top Performances_ Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine added 58 runs off 19 balls for 7th wicket against LSG, KKR knocked out of playoffs _ Walking Wicket (Images ©BCCI_IPL)
Rinku averages 20.50 from 9 games in IPL 2024 (Images: ©BCCI/IPL)
Selectors’ rationale: all-round capabilities and strategic squad formation

The selectors' rationale, though pragmatic, underscores the complexities of squad formation in modern cricket. The emphasis on all-round capabilities, versatility, and form necessitated tough choices. Axar Patel's inclusion, offering similar attributes to Ravindra Jadeja, raised eyebrows but reflected the team's strategic vision for the World Cup.


In hindsight, the prolific left-hand batter's omission serves as a reminder of cricket's unpredictability and the nuances that govern selection processes. His presence in the reserves keeps the door slightly ajar, offering a glimmer of hope in case of unforeseen circumstances.


Looking ahead, the T20 World Cup 2024 promises intense battles and gripping narratives. While Rinku's omission may sting as a missed opportunity, it also underscores the competitive landscape and the relentless pursuit of excellence in international cricket.


As the cricketing world awaits the spectacle in the US and the Caribbean, Rinku's journey stands as a testament to the resilience and fortitude required to thrive in the sport's ever-evolving landscape. His impact, though momentarily eclipsed, resonates as a narrative of perseverance and the enduring quest for cricketing glory.


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