Rinku Singh Snubbed for T20 World Cup: MSK Prasad Questions Selectors’ Call

Rinku Singh’s non-selection for the T20 World Cup has been a major talking point in the Indian cricket community. The left-handed batsman was left out as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced a 15-member squad for next month’s showpiece event in the West Indies and the US. As many as four all-rounders have made it to the final fifteen, with no place for Rinku. However, the dynamic batsman will travel with the team as one of the four reserve players. Former cricketers are expressing their views on Rinku’s exclusion. The latest to join the bandwagon is former selector MSK Prasad, who picked the Indian team for the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Speaking to media, Prasad heaped praise on Rinku, saying that India doesn’t have a better finisher than him right now. He also opined that the left-hander was missed out only because Caribbean conditions would require an extra spinner, prompting the selectors to keep Akshar Patel in the squad.

“I think all three Rinku, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were very close to selection,” Prasad told the media. “Having said that, the selectors did a good job. He was very clear that the second half of the summer in the Caribbean and USA would help the spinners. I think the extra spinner is the only reason to go for the character. This is why Rinku had to be out. “Look if you look at players who fit into the role of a finisher, I think there is no one better than Rinku in India now. I also think it is a bit unfortunate and difficult to digest the fact that Rinku has been neglected,” he added. The former chief selector insisted that skipper Rohit Sharma should open alongside Yashshwi Jaiswal, while Virat Kohli comes one down.

“For me, Rohit (Sharma) and Yashaswi (Jaiswal) should open the batting for India. The reason I see a young player starting batting is because of the combination of left hand and right hand. Virat will land at No. 3 and Surya at No. 4 followed by Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja along with Shivam Dubey,” he added.