India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to stay guarded when questioned about Rinku Singh’s exclusion ahead of the five-match series against South Africa. Once a regular feature in India’s T20I middle order, Rinku has struggled for game time over the past year, appearing in just one match across India’s last two series. With the team management prioritising multi-skilled all-rounders, the 28-year-old finisher has once again missed out.
During the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav was asked directly about Rinku’s reduced role and omission. The captain, however, avoided revealing internal selection calls and even offered a light-hearted response, hinting that the media often learns of team combinations before the players themselves.
“He is an all-rounder, so he and Hardik are the all-rounders. You cannot compare an all-rounder with someone who is a finisher. Dube is another one. From three to seven, all batters are flexible and can bat anywhere—it all depends on the entry point,” Suryakumar Yadav explained, noting that team balance heavily influences selection.
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He added, with a smile, that the media usually has a clear picture of India’s squad even before official announcements. “More or less, this is what the team looks like. It’s strong, it’s balanced, and I’m very happy with it.”
The Indian skipper also highlighted the importance of the all-round options available, especially those who can bowl with the new ball.
“What you saw in the Asia Cup—his ability to take the new ball—opened up a lot of combinations for us. His experience in ICC and ACC events adds immense value and gives great balance to the XI.”
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Meanwhile, Rinku Singh’s own numbers have not helped his case. In his last ten T20I innings, he has scored just 134 runs at an average of 16.75 and a strike rate of 128.84, with a solitary half-century. A lack of consistent opportunities has also hindered his rhythm. The left-hander is currently featuring for Uttar Pradesh in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, hoping to force his way back into India’s plans.
