RP Singh explains how IPL Impact Player rule hampered Rinku's prospects

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 31, 2024 18:25 IST

Former India pacer Rudra Pratap Singh has explained how the IPL Impact Player rule has hampered Rinku Singh's prospects of making it to the India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Rinku Singh's omission from India's 15-man T20 World Cup 2024 squad raised a lot of eyebrows. Rinku Singh's amazing performance in IPL 2023 catapulted him into the spotlight and quickly made him a household name because of his talent.

The KKR batter received his first India call following a great IPL season, and his strike rate stayed quite high. The Ajit Agarkar-led India selection panel chose to go with more recent performances, and selected Shivam Dube in the 15-member squad, while Rinku Singh will be on the reserve list. "Rinku Singh should have definitely been there. I think he was unfortunate to miss out. If the Impact Player rule was not there, I think Rinku would have made it," RP Singh said during a promotional event where the Indian team's jersey was unveiled for the inaugural World Championship of Legends.

The 25-year-old Uttar Pradesh batter was in sensational touch for India in T20Is before IPL 2024. His ability to bat at different gears and execute the finisher's role to perfection reminded fans of vintage MS Dhoni. Rinku averages 89 in his nascent T20I career, having scored 356 runs at a staggering strike rate of 176. Never has Rinku fluffed an opportunity in the Indian blue. Yet, the young man was left out of the squad and named in the reserves.

Amid the great buzz surrounding his removal, Rinku Singh broke his silence and confessed that he was at first disappointed. The KKR batter agreed that his absence was more down to team dynamics than performance, and he emphasised that making the reserve list is also a significant accomplishment given where he comes from.

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