Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, has provided an explanation for batter Rinku Singh's exclusion from the squad for the forthcoming five-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa.
The 41-year-old said that although the decision was regrettable, Hardik Pandya's return made Rinku's absence clear. The 28-year-old southpaw participated in just one match during India's most recent Twenty20 International series against Australia. In contrast, Hardik's left quadriceps injury has kept him out of action since the Asia Cup semifinal.
Irfan believes Hardik's comeback will provide greater options to the Indian team, as the management may be tempted to play with three spinners.
"Hardik Pandya is back, so Rinku Singh is out. Rinku Singh is unfortunate, but this was obvious once Hardik was ready to return. This squad is 90-95% of what India will pick for the 2026 T20 World Cup. India has to clear several things.
Whether they go with Bumrah, Hardik, and Shivam Dube, along with the three spinners, Axar, Kuldeep, and Varun Chakaravarthy. But I believe Hardik's role will be the most crucial for India's progress in T20s and in the World Cup. He and one other finisher are playing with him; those two will be most crucial for whether India wins the trophy again or not,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
The five-match series begins on December 9 in Cuttack. The other matches are scheduled in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and Ahmedabad (December 19).
On the other hand, Mohammad Kaif defended the selectors’ decision to drop Rinku and questioned who else Hardik would have come back into the side.
“There is no one you could have removed with Hardik coming back. Sanju Samson in India during the World Cup will be solid. Jitesh has come in now. Even in the Asia Cup, Rinku did not play all the games. He was not in your XI anyway. The bowlers are doing well. There are many all-rounders.
There was only one player who could have made way for Hardik to come in, and that was Rinku. There is no other reason. Rinku may feel it is unfair, but I am with the selectors here. Who else will you drop, really? Rinku’s time will come. Take it from me, he will be an all-format player for India in the future. You will see him playing all formats after two years,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Hardik Pandya has shown great form on his return to action for Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy. He made 77* in 42 balls to power Baroda to a huge win, chasing 223 runs against Punjab.
