As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement intensifies, Rinku Singh’s place in the Indian T20I setup is under serious debate. Known for his heroics in IPL 2022 with five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal, Rinku has since seen reduced opportunities, facing just 113 balls in IPL 2024 and 134 in 2025.
Gambhir’s one-dimensional player concern
Under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship at Kolkata Knight Riders, Rinku’s role was limited, hinting at a shift in team strategy. Reports suggest Gambhir views one-dimensional lower-order hitters as less crucial when the top order is in form, a stance that could put Rinku on the chopping block for the Asia Cup and next year’s T20 World Cup.
Competition for middle-order spots
A former national selector highlighted the difficulty in accommodating both Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside established names like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. In this scenario, Rinku’s position appears the most vulnerable, especially when competing against batters who can slot higher in the order.
Squad reveal on August 19
The official Asia Cup squad will be announced on August 19, marking India’s first competitive outing since the England Test series. Gill’s inclusion is expected to trigger a reshuffle, and selectors may have to make tough calls — with Rinku Singh’s role hanging in the balance.
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