The BCCI revealed the 15-member India squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, notably excluding Kolkata Knight Riders’ standout batsman Rinku Singh, despite his noteworthy performances in ODIs and T20Is for Team India. His absence garnered sympathy from both the cricketing fraternity and fans, with Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of KKR, standing by him in solidarity during this difficult time.
Singh’s omission from the primary squad raised questions, given his consistent contributions on the international stage, albeit as an ‘Impact Player’ in the IPL 2024. Despite his stellar displays, selectors opted for other alternatives, placing Singh in the reserves.
Shah Rukh Khan’s supportive gesture, documented on camera as he accompanied Singh to Mumbai, showcased the strong bond between the budding cricketer and the Bollywood luminary. SRK’s unwavering backing of Singh stems from the latter’s impressive batting skills, particularly his memorable performances for KKR in previous seasons.
Singh’s exclusion from the main squad has been linked, in part, to the controversial ‘Impact Player’ regulation, as his role as a finisher for KKR often limited his opportunities to bat in the top five, resulting in fewer balls faced per innings.
Despite Singh’s undeniable talent and past achievements, selectors faced the daunting task of accommodating him alongside established players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube within the 15-man roster.