The inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma in Team India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against West Indies was met with widespread celebration on social media. However, fans were left disgruntled as Rinku Singh failed to secure a spot in the side for the Caribbean tour. Singh’s exceptional performance, wherein he smashed five consecutive sixes against the Gujarat Titans, had propelled him to stardom, leaving many to expect his chance to shine on the international stage.
Rinku for Ireland?
While Rinku Singh did not make the cut for the West Indies tour, the talented 25-year-old cricketer has been selected for the three-match T20I series against Ireland, scheduled to take place on August 18, 20, and 23. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced backlash from Indian cricket enthusiasts for overlooking Singh’s impressive performance in the IPL, where he had a standout season with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The BCCI’s selection committee, however, decided against introducing a completely young side against the West Indies. Instead, they opted for a gradual approach, allowing players to prove themselves series by series. Additionally, the committee prioritized the freshness of the players ahead of a demanding season. “Rinku and other players who performed well in the IPL will be flying to Ireland, as the selection committee wants to avoid trying out everyone at once. With the Asia Cup approaching in late August, some key players from the Indian ODI team will be preserved for that tournament,” revealed a source within the BCCI.
BCCI’s Asian Games plan
Singh, along with talented cricketers like Ruturaj Gaikwad, will showcase their skills during the Ireland series. This move comes as the BCCI aims to prepare a second-string side for the Asian Games, allowing senior team members to focus on their preparations for the prestigious Asia Cup. Speculation is rife that Shikhar Dhawan could be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the second-string Indian side in the Asian Games.
The BCCI selection committee has recommended increasing the number of India A tours in the future. This initiative will serve as a platform for fringe players to showcase their abilities before receiving a call-up to the senior Indian team. The board is currently engaged in discussions with several cricket boards to organize these India A tours.
Ajit Agarkar, who recently assumed the role of chief selector, brings a fresh perspective to T20 cricket. Having been a part of the victorious squad in the inaugural ICC World T20 held in South Africa in 2007, Agarkar’s invaluable experience adds depth and expertise to the selection process.
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