Kolkata Knight Riders Middle-order batsman Rinku Singh’s visa has been approved by former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Srikkanth, who was responsible for selecting the Indian squad that won the ICC 50-Over World Cup in 2011, feels that Rinku Singh must get the visa. The former Indian cricketer demanded the same from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, not because of his form in IPL 2024 but because of his track record in the recent past.
Kris Srikkanth highlights Rinku Singh’s recent record
The 15-member squad composition of the Indian team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is currently at the forefront of discussion. Every cricket expert and pundit thinks about the Indian squad and many experts also announce their predicted squad. In most of the predicted squads, Rinku Singh has been named as part of the team.
And it was no different with Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who automatically chose Rinku Singh. Srikkanth emphasized that Rinku has already proven himself for the Indian national team through the opportunities he has been given.
From his 15 T20Is for India against Ireland, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Australia, Nepal and South Africa, Rinku Singh has already scored 356 runs from the middle order. He currently has an average of 89 and hits the ball at a strike rate of 176.23.
The left-hand batsman has also led the Indian team to several wins in his short time in the team. One of his most notable achievements came in South Africa when he scored 68* off just 39 deliveries in the second game of a three-match T20I series in Gqeberha.
Then, during a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, Rinku Singh had hit 69* off 39 and also helped India win that game in the Super Over. So, he is quite capable of scoring 60-70 runs in 30-40 balls and that is why Srikkanth wants him to be included in the team.
“A classic example is Rinku Singh. Rinku Singh has been a constant in my 15 years. He doesn’t get that many opportunities to bat in the IPL but you see his international track record, it’s an amazing track record.”
“Amazing track record in South Africa and in all the opportunities he has. Therefore, Rinku Singh has to be a safe side in the 15th round. But if we focus on the current form or the opportunities, he doesn’t have enough opportunities.” – said Krishnamachari Srikkanth on Star Sports.
Rinku’s IPL season so far
Rinku Singh didn’t get many opportunities to make an impact with his batting with the Kolkata Knight Riders management. This is one of the main reasons why some experts were hesitant to add him to the 15-man roster.
In 9 games, Rinku has scored just 123 runs with a best of 26 at a strike rate of 150. Last night in KKR’s 7-wicket win Delhi capitalsRinku was promoted to 3rd but eventually left the goal line after scoring 11 out of 11 points. With less than two days left for the ICC deadline for the T20 World Cup, it will be interesting to see whether Rinku makes it or not.