Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly commented on Rinku Singh’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. Sourav Ganguly said that Rinku Singh’s exclusion was a tactical decision by the selectors given their places in the ICC tournament.
Rinku Singh failed to make the World Cup squad despite impressive performances for India amid limited opportunities. The left-handed batsman has played a finishing role for India in shorter formats. Rinku has scored 356 runs in 15 T20Is at an exceptional average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.24.
The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar decided on four spin bowlers, including two all-rounders, in the squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Rinku Singh’s exclusion was not due to his performance. Agarkar explained that the team wanted an additional bowling option for the World Cup.
However, Rinku Singh was on the reserve list for the prestigious tournament. The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer can be added to the team if a batsman suffers an injury. It is worth noting that as per ICC guidelines, the team can make changes to its provisional squad until May 25.
The wickets may be slow and aid spin – Sourav Ganguly
Speaking at the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy unveiling ceremony, Sourav Ganguly explained that Rinku Singh’s omission was influenced by the conditions in West Indies where slow pitches favor spin.
“It’s West Indies. The wickets may be slow and support spin, so they (the selectors) wanted to use a different spinner. Maybe that’s why Rinku didn’t get the opportunity, but for Rinku it’s just the beginning.” Ganguly said.
India is in Group A along with USA, Pakistan, Ireland and Canada. They will open their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. The Men in Blue will play all four group stage games in the USA. The Super Eight and knockout games will be played on the Caribbean islands.
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will choose the best one – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly expected India and Australia to be the top contenders in the upcoming tournament. Ganguly praised the quality of the Indian squad and said that all 15 players won the game. He stated that Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid would make the best selections.
“India and Australia are the two best teams in the tournament. I am sure they will do the same in the US and the West Indies.” Ganguly added.
“It’s a fantastic squad, they’re all match winners. All 15 are good enough to be selected, I am sure Rohit (Sharma) and Rahul (Dravid) will pick the best.” he explained further.
India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (Week), Sanju Samson (Week), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh , Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan
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