Krishnamachari Srikkanth slams BCCI for excluding Rinku Singh from T20 World Cup squad

Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has lashed out at the BCCI selection committee for omitting Rinku Singh from the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, labeling the decision as “rubbish” and making the 26-year-old batter a “scapegoat.”

Singh, who made his T20 debut in 2023 against Ireland, has impressed with his performances, scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a staggering strike rate of 176.24. His last international appearance came against Afghanistan in January 2024.

Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Srikkanth pointed out Singh’s impactful unbeaten 69-run knock against Afghanistan in the third T20I earlier this year. He criticized the selectors for ignoring Singh and questioned the need for four spinners in the squad.

The former India captain argued that Singh has consistently delivered whenever given the opportunity and deserved a place in the squad. Srikkanth expressed his disappointment at Singh’s exclusion, stating that the batter has been praised worldwide for his performances.

In the selected squad, India has included two wicket-keepers, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, with Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan designated as reserve players.

The T20 World Cup journey for India will begin against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9. Matches against the USA and Canada are scheduled for June 12 and 15, respectively.

With the tournament fast approaching, Srikkanth’s criticism of the selection committee’s decision to exclude Rinku Singh has sparked debate among fans and experts alike, questioning the rationale behind the omission of a player who has consistently performed on the international stage.