Rinku Singh’s father revealed that his son was “upset” after he wasn’t included in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which will be played in the United States and West Indies in June.
Singh is part of the travelling reserves, along with Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed, for the mega event and the decision to exclude him from the first squad wasn’t welcomed by Indian fans.
Rinku averages 89 with an impressive strike rate of 176.23 in 11 innings since making his T20I debut last August. However, he has struggled in the ongoing IPL with only 123 runs at a strike rate of 150 in nine innings for Kolkata Knight Riders.
His father opened up and made an emotional remark saying that they had sweets and firecrackers ready as there were “too many” hopes for his selection in the first squad.
“There were a lot of hopes, but there were disappointments as well. We had got sweets and firecrackers with the hope that he will feature in the playing XI. Still, we are very happy," Rinku's father told Indian media.
He further revealed that he was not heartbroken but was pretty upset as the 26-year-old had hoped he would be in the main squad of the Blues.
"Yes, he was upset, he was talking to his mother. It is not like his heart has been broken. He was telling to his mother that he would be going with the team, but has not featured in the 15-member squad," Rinku's father added.
Earlier, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told Press Trust of India (PTI) the reason behind Rinku’s exclusion from the first squad.
“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,” a BCCI source told PTI.
In the eight innings leading up to his selection, Rinku faced a mere 82 deliveries, averaging just about 10 balls per innings.
- Rinku Singh
