There has been a lot of discussion over BCCI’s decision to not include Rinku Singh in the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The explosive batter showed brilliant promise in IPL 2023 and then followed it up with impressive performances for the 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 finally opened up about the decision and said that it is not because Rinku did anything wrong. In the press conference held on Thursday, Agarkar said that the decision was taken keeping the team composition in mind and as a result, an all-rounder like Axar Patel was preferred.

“”It’s probably the toughest thing we have had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong, not even Shubman Gill for that better. It’s about combinations. There are a couple of wrist spinners included to give Rohit more options. It’s just unfortunate. He’s in the reserves, so that tells you how close he came into being in the 15. But at the end of the day you can only pick 15 players in the squad,” Agarkar said.

Agarkar also opened up about Hardik Pandya’s role as well as his appointment as vice-captain.

“Nothing discussed regards to vice captaincy. He has come agfter a longish layoff. He has gotten through all the games for MI and we have got another month and a little bit till we play our first game. Hope is that he builds on that form. There’s no replacement on what he brings to the team, especially with the ball. His fitness is critical and so far he has gone well in the IPL,” the BCCI chief selector explained.

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024: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.

Reserves:Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan