Rinku Singh, one of India's most exciting batting talents today, was a noticeable name missing from the four squads BCCI announced for the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5.

Rinku, who plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, boasts an average of 54.70 from 47 FC matches, in which he scored 3173 runs with 7 centuries and 20 fifties. His highest score is 163*.

However, during an interview, Rinku Singh admitted that he was omitted from the Duleep Trophy squads due to his own poor performances in the last Ranji Trophy season for Uttar Pradesh. In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Rinku scored 128 runs at 42.66 with just one fifty.  

“Nothing...I didn't perform that well (in the domestic season). I didn't play many matches in the Ranji Trophy...I played 2-3 matches. I wasn't selected because I didn't play that well. I might get selected for next-round matches,” he told Sports Today.

When asked whether he has been seen as a T20 specialist, Rinku said: “No worries, I am happy with whatever chances I am getting. It will be a huge deal for me when I will be selected for ODIs or Tests. Whatever I am getting to play right now, I am playing.”

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, prominent all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Akshar Patel, wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pacer Mohammed Siraj will be among the prominent names competing in the Duleep Trophy 2024.  

T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who had played one Test against Australia in 2023 has also been picked. India players were only meant to play one match, so Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, and Ashwin were granted exemptions.

(PTI inputs)