Not many Indian T20 batsmen have become part of such a strong fan base in such a short time as Rinku Singh. A single season of finishing with ice in his veins, some sensational last-over heroics that were captured on social media, and Rinku was now one of the most popular symbols of what India’s fearless batting lineup will look like. That is why his selection for India’s 2026 T20 World Cup team should be viewed with excitement and reassurance; instead, it brings to light an unsettling and rather serious issue: Is India choosing name recognition over readiness?
Rusty at the International Edge
Talent in T20 cricket is fleeting, and Rinku Singh’s primary concern is not skill but timing. His international career has had an unusual on/off pattern since he debuted in August 2023. In 2025, he was involved in only five T20I matches, batting in only three innings, with a total of 43 runs, to be earned at a strike-rate of 130.30 – significantly lower than that which he would have set for himself.
Yes, he hit the winning runs in the Asia Cup final, but that cameo came off one ball. Iconic moment? Absolutely. Meaningful preparation? Not quite. He was also left out of the South Africa series entirely, suggesting the management itself wasn’t convinced about his readiness.
If Rinku doesn’t feature heavily in the January New Zealand series, India risk throwing a semi-cold batter straight into World Cup pressure games, a gamble that has burned teams before.
Crowded Middle-Order Logjam
Although little has been said about the team selection in India, that will work against Rinku. The Indian batting line-up is quite full of players for the middle order positions of Surya Kumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel. As well as an “all-rounder” preference for India (Shivam Dube and his potential to hit big, and Washington Sundar’s ability to play when it counts), this makes it difficult for Rinku to make a spot in the eleven.
It is not about being talented; it’s about role definition. Rinku is a specialist in finishing cricket matches; however, India’s current strategy has a focus on developing multi-skilled players to provide bowling depth. For example, even Ishan Kishan provides tactical flexibility as a backup opening/closing middle order option plus a wicketkeeper.
Instead of resolving an issue, Rinku’s addition results in role duplication for India with the potential risk of either having a specialist bowler or utility all-rounders, which are assets that win championships.
Domestic Numbers Tell a Mixed Story
Although after finishing with international duty, Rinku would be expected to have developed through the vehicle of domestic cricket, he failed to improve upon what were, to be fair, subpar performance expectations. Off 7 innings in the format of first-class cricket, Rinku managed to amass 172 runs at an average of 24.57, and hit the ball at a strike rate of 135.43 – all numbers that are well outside of the statistics we can expect to see in a player who has performed at such high levels during a World Cup.
Rinku did have great numbers in the UP T20 League (372 runs, 62.00, 178.85 sr), although that was on a significantly lower level of competition. More disturbing still was Rinku’s performance in the IPL 2025 season for Kolkata Knight Riders, where he scored a mere 206 runs off 11 innings at an average of 29.42 and only made one fifty (38), not out. Numbers like those for a designated finisher are very poor.
At the elite level, consistency matters more than cameos, and Rinku hasn’t quite stitched enough together lately.
Key Takeaway
Rinku Singh’s World Cup recall isn’t about talent; it’s about timing, and the timing feels off.
FAQs
- What changed in India’s T20 World Cup squad selection?
Shubman Gill was dropped, Axar Patel became vice-captain, Ishan Kishan returned, and Rinku Singh was recalled.
- Why is Rinku Singh’s inclusion controversial?
Limited recent T20Is, a crowded middle order, and inconsistent domestic and IPL form raise selection concerns.
- How could India have balanced the squad better?
By opting for a specialist bowler or a versatile all-rounder instead of another middle-order batter.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
Step into the world of cricket with JeetBuzz News—where expert opinions, trending Blogs, and behind-the-scenes insights meet all your favorite topics. Stay informed, stay entertained, and never miss the stories shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
