‘Not Rinku Singh’s fault’: Ajit Agarkar amid uproar over T20 World Cup selection

BCCI Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has sympathised with Rinku Singh and said that the left-handed had done nothing wrong to get snubbed from the T20 World Cup squad.

Agarkar and Rohit Sharma were addressing a press conference at the BCCI headquarters and were asked about Rinku missing out. The southpaw missing out on a place in the squad was one of the major talking points as the KKR batter was put in the reserves.

Agarkar said snubbing Rinku was the toughest thing they had to do and it was down to combinations. The BCCI chief selector said that since they’re not sure about the conditions in US and that’s why they decided to go with more options.

“Probably the toughest thing we have had to do. He has done nothing wrong, nor has Shubman Gill. It’s again the combinations. Like Rohit said, we are not sure about what conditions we will get. We have tried to have enough options. There are a couple of wrist spinners, Chahal and Kuldeep to give, Rohit more options,” said Agarkar.

It’s not his fault: Agarkar on Rinku snub
Rinku Singh missing out on the T20 World Cup spot has been a big topic of discussion and Agarkar said that it was just unfortunate that the southpaw had to sit out. Agarkar felt that having another bowler was handy for the tournament.

Agarkar said that Rinku was close to making the cut and the call would be tough on him.

“It’s just unfortunate. I don’t think it has anything to do with Rinku Singh. It’s not his fault that he has missed out. It’s more the 15 that we felt gives with two keepers who are already terrific batters. So we just thought having another bowling option would be handy. He is still one of the traveling subs. That’s how close he was. It’s a little bit tough on him. At the end of the day, you only pick 15,” said Agarkar.

Rinku has played 15 T20Is for India and has an average of 89 and a strike-rate of over 176.