Left-handed batter Rinku Singh has been left out of India's squad for the Asian Games 2026 and also missed the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which India won 3-0. The 28-year-old has been in and out of the Indian T20I lineup over the past year, with all-rounders being preferred over specialists in the middle order.
Despite his omissions, Rinku was part of India's victorious 2026 T20 World Cup squad. In 48 T20Is since his debut in 2023, he carries a batting average
of almost 37 and a strike rate of 156.34, and has also appeared in two ODIs for India. With the ball, he has bowled his off-spinners sparingly, picking up three wickets in 16 deliveries at the international level. The southpaw believes that proficiency in the second skill could be something that the selectors value.
"Right now, I am working on my bowling because that is what the game demands. At the moment, I keep getting in and out of the team, and that happens because of combinations. Some selectors and coaches feel that in T20 cricket, you need to have two skills - you should be able to contribute with both bowling and batting," Rinku said, speaking to Sportstar.
Why has Rinku Singh been in and out of India's T20I squad?
Rinku acknowledged that the selection pattern has been driven by team combinations, with the Indian management favouring players who can contribute in both departments. He was candid about the mental challenge that comes with inconsistent selection and stressed the importance of a positive mindset.
"So I am working on my bowling. It is not as if I haven’t bowled before. I have bowled and taken wickets at the international level as well. But I want to work more on my bowling so that the selectors can see that improvement. Being in and out of the team can be difficult. It puts some pressure on you and can disturb you mentally. But it is very important to remain positive," he added.
How does Rinku Singh view the rising competition for India T20I spots?
Rinku believes the IPL has significantly raised the level of competition for places in the Indian T20I setup, with new talent emerging every season. While he acknowledged the need to possess two skills in the modern game, he was clear that players should not alter their natural game simply because fresh faces have arrived.
"Competition has certainly increased because leagues like the IPL are producing talent every year. You see players like Vaibhav [Sooryavanshi] and Priyansh [Arya]. There is a lot of talent coming through now. As I said, you need to have two skills in the game. But it is not as if we have to change our own game because someone else has come along. So be happy when a big talent comes through. Think positively about them and about yourself. It will be good for everyone," Rinku said.
