Few players in India’s white-ball setup have experienced the in-and-out selection rollercoaster quite like Rinku Singh.
The Current Situation
Singh has been left out of India’s T20I squads for the tours of Ireland and England and the Asian Games entirely, despite being part of the 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squad. His name doesn’t appear in any of the recent squad lists, a stretch that has puzzled several former players.
The Numbers That Should Help His Case
- 665 T20I runs at an average of 39.1 and a strike rate of 155.7 across 48 matches
- 295 IPL 2026 runs at an average of 59.00 and a strike rate of 148.99 for Kolkata Knight Riders
- A reputation as one of the format’s most reliable finishers in tight run chases
Why He Keeps Missing Out
Team management has consistently favoured middle-order all-rounders who offer a bowling option, and Singh’s off-spin remains a work in progress, with just three international wickets in 16 deliveries bowled. He has been candid about the toll of inconsistent selection, telling Sportstar he is actively working on his bowling to widen his appeal to selectors.
A Difficult Year Personally
Singh’s father passed away during the 2026 T20 World Cup, forcing him to briefly step away from the tournament. His path back into the squad is one of several stories covered in our feature on players fighting to return to the national team, alongside the wider selection debate discussed in India’s 2026 selection controversies.