'Mumbai ke liye khelo beta' - Fans react as selectors overlook Rinku Singh for India vs West Indies T20I series

Rinku Singh (Source: Twitter)

The Indian Cricket Board on Wednesday (July 5) announced the squad for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies starting from August 3. Since then, Rinku Singh has been trending on social media as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star failed to make it to the 15-man squad for the Caribbean tour. Fans are baffled by Rinku's absence, considering his stellar performances in the Indian Premier League 2023.

Senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have been excluded from the series as part of workload management and they will focus on the ODI series as the Asia Cup and World Cup are fast approaching. In Rohit's absence, India's stand-in captain Hardik Pandya will lead the team, with Suryakumar Yadav as his deputy.

Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma earned maiden call-ups to the T20I squad after their impressive performances this season in the IPL. Another highlight of the announcement is that Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan are all set to make a comeback in the shorter format.

India’s T20I squad: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (VC), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

Being 9th top scorer after batting at number 5 or below is not everyone's cup of tea

Speaking of Rinku, the 25-year-old was a player whose name was suggested by many former cricketers and pundits to get a place in the Indian team given his stunning performances for KKR. Rinku, who played as a finisher for the two-time champions, displayed heroics on several occasions to single-handedly win the game, especially his breathtaking five sixes in the successful final over chase against Gujarat Titans.

Batting at number 5 or lower in 14 matches, he scored 474 runs at an impressive strike rate of 149.35 and was the 9th highest scorer in the tournament. After registering such outstanding figures, everyone expected him to make it to the T20I squad as he would be a great addition to the finisher role. However, the fans were once again disappointed with the selectors' decision and they expressed it on Twitter.

Here's how fans reacted to Rinku Singh not being picked for the T20I series against West Indies:

He needs to learn the art of making insta reels, might get considered after that.

— Abhash (@abhash121) July 5, 2023

He deserved to be included in the team. Rinku performed in almost every match.

— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) July 5, 2023

He deserved , but his day will come !

— Rajah 🇮🇳 (@iamkrajah) July 6, 2023

Don't worry - Rinku Singh in test team coming soon

Thanks to our great team management

— KhabriBhai (@RealKhabriBhai) July 5, 2023

Looks like what happened with Surya 2019-20 happening with Rinku
Hopefully he will get India call soon

— Ayush Singh (@the_Rajputt) July 5, 2023

Another masterstroke by selectors 😂

— ਨਵਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ (@Navpreet7342) July 5, 2023

Only picking Big IPL team players Like Mi,CSK, RCB, GT.

Indian team biggest froud ⚠️ of cricket history .

— Ramashish Kumar (@Ramashi21696211) July 5, 2023

He will get his place please you guys just calm down you ... In Indian cricket you need to have patience... There is Sanju Samson waiting for his chance..

— Kaabu op (@kaabuOp10) July 5, 2023

What feel ?? he doesn't play for MI or CSK !

— Arup Paul (@ArupPau08309862) July 6, 2023

His grandmother would be telling him "Mumbai ke liye khelo beta"

— 👑Regal👑 (@anubhav4sure) July 6, 2023