Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has backed the inclusion of Rinku Singh in India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, emphasizing the KKR batter’s exceptional international track record despite limited opportunities. Srikkanth expressed confidence in Rinku’s abilities, citing his impressive performances in South Africa and his consistency whenever given the chance to showcase his skills. The Indian team has seen substantial changes since the 2022 T20 World Cup, with several new batters making their debut. Rinku Singh has emerged as India’s consistent finisher, scoring 356 runs at a blistering strike rate of 176.23. Notably, he has scored two fifty-plus scores, showcasing his potential as a game-changing batsman.
“A classic example is Rinku Singh. Rinku Singh is a certainty in my 15. He hasn’t got 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 with every opportunity he has got. So Rinku Singh has to be a certainty in the 15. But if we go by recent form or opportunities, he hasn’t got enough opportunities,” Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on Star Sports Press Room Show.
Srikkanth underscored the necessity of assessing a player’s merit based on their performance and fitness rather than their reputation alone. For Srikkanth, Rinku Singh’s track record speaks volumes, warranting his inclusion as a certainty in the squad of 15. “End of the day you’ve to forget who the player is and look at what is his track record. Is he a great player, is a deadly player, is he fit? So Rinku Singh has to be a certainty, he has to get the Visa and he will fasten his seat belt to take the flight to the United States to play the game as one of the 15 members in the side,” Srikkanth added.
Rinku continues to be an essential asset for KKR squad, scoring 112 runs in eight innings. KKR fans are hoping Rinku would bring his best game on the pitch in the future matches. Following their defeat to Punjab, the Knight Riders will meet the Capitals in their next IPL 2024 match at Eden Gardens Stadium on Monday.
