Why is Rinku Singh dropped from the India T20I squad for the IND vs SA series? That’s the big question after the selectors announced the 15-member team for the five-match series starting December 9. Hardik Pandya has returned from injury, Jasprit Bumrah is back to lead the pace attack, and Shubman Gill has also been named subject to fitness clearance. But it’s Rinku Singh who surprisingly misses out along with Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Rise Of Washington Sundar Changed The Equation For Rinku Singh
The main reason behind why there is no Rinku Singh in India’s T20I squad is the team’s desire to prioritise flexible bowling options. Washington Sundar, who impressed with a brisk 47 off 23 balls in Australia, has been preferred because he offers both off-spin and batting depth. India now want a six-bowler strategy in every game, especially with a home T20 World Cup coming up next year. That leaves only five slots for specialist batters.
In that selection puzzle, Rinku was finding it difficult to make the playing XI. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and a wicketkeeper (either Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma) occupy those batting spots.
Why Is Rinku Singh Dropped? Limited Opportunities, Unfortunate Timing
Rinku did not get much of a chance in Australia — he was selected only for the final T20I, which was washed out after just 4.5 overs. His last proper outing for India was in the Asia Cup final, when he hit the winning boundary. While his finishing prowess is unquestioned, the selectors believe he will benefit more by playing domestic cricket regularly than sitting on the bench for most of this tour.
That is the structural reason why Rinku Singh was dropped despite performing whenever called upon.
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Washington’s skill set gives India multiple combinations against different oppositions and conditions — for example:
- Dropping a wrist-spinner and going with two finger-spinners
- Using Washington ahead of Axar Patel if facing several left-handers
- Playing four spinners with two of them being allrounders at home
This matchup flexibility is exactly why there is no Rinku Singh in the T20I squad this time.
Rinku still remains firmly in India’s T20I plans, but for now, his exclusion is a tactical move to strengthen team balance and bowling depth. With more domestic cricket and another IPL season coming up, his comeback chances remain strong.
India T20I squad vs South Africa
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc) – subject to fitness, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar.
