Rinku Singh’s father was the first to share his son’s initial response to being left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad.
The BCCI recently unveiled the 15-player squad set to represent India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, Rinku found himself among the four reserve players rather than the main lineup, alongside Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan.
Rinku’s father, Khanchandra Singh, opened up about his son’s disappointment at missing out on the final squad. Despite Rinku’s consistent performances and notable achievements, such as winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, he didn’t secure a spot in the primary roster.
Currently on the move with the Kolkata Knight Riders for their IPL match against the Mumbai Indians, Rinku was spotted at the Kolkata airport alongside team owner Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh, who had earlier expressed his support for Rinku’s inclusion in the national team, continued to encourage the young cricketer during their travels.
Khanchandra Singh, Rinku’s father, excitedly arrived with sweets and crackers to celebrate his son’s selection. However, his joy turned to shock upon learning that Rinku hadn’t made it into the team.
“There was hope, and that is why there is a bit of sadness. We brought sweets and crackers to celebrate; we thought Rinku would play in the first eleven. 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 would be travelling with the team,” Khanchandra shared with Bharat24.
Rinku’s unexpected exclusion has left both fans and experts scratching their heads. Many have taken to social media to express solidarity with the 26-year-old. Rinku Singh burst onto the scene just last year for India, impressing with 356 runs in 15 T20Is, boasting an average of 89 and a blistering strike rate of 176.24. However, his opportunities to shine for the Kolkata Knight Riders in this IPL season have been limited.
He was being groomed as the heir to the crucial finisher role, one that has been vacant since the retirement of the legendary MS Dhoni. While Hardik Pandya was long considered the successor, he’s yet to fully claim the position. Rinku seemed poised to fill that gap, possessing all the qualities needed to excel in the role. But with Shivam Dube getting the nod instead, the KKR standout will have to bide his time.
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