There has been a lot of discussion about BCCI's decision not to include Rinku Singh in the 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The explosive batsman showed brilliant promise in IPL 2023 and followed it up with impressive performances for Indian cricket . team in T20Is. However, he was included in the reserves and Shivam Dube was rewarded for his form in the ongoing IPL 2024. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar eventually opened up about the decision and said that it is not because Rinku has done anything wrong. At the press conference held on Thursday, Agarkar said that the decision took into account the team composition and hence preference was given to an all-rounder like Axar Patel.
“This is probably the hardest thing we've had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong, not even Shubman Gill. It's about combinations. A pair of wrist spinners are included to give Rohit more options. It's just a shame. He's in the reserves, so that tells you how close he got to fifteen. But at the end of the day you can only pick 15 players in the squad,” Agarkar said.
Agarkar also talked about Hardik Pandya's role and his appointment as vice-captain.
“Nothing has been discussed regarding the vice-captain. He has come after a long layoff. He has come through all the matches for MI and we still have a month and a while before we play our first match. The hope is that he builds on that form.” There is no substitute for what he brings to the team, especially with the ball. His fitness is crucial and he has done well in the IPL so far,” the BCCI chief selector explained.
The Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup:Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah .
Reservations:Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan
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