NEW DELHI: The BCCI on Tuesday unveiled the 15-man India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, and one of the most prominent names missing from the lineup was Kolkata Knight Riders’ star batter Rinku Singh.
Despite his impressive performances for Team India in ODIs and T20Is, Rinku Singh found himself relegated to the reserves, sparking sympathy from the cricketing world and fans alike.
The Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, also the co-owner of KKR, emerged as a beacon of support for the young batter, ensuring he wasn't alone in facing this challenging moment.
Rinku's absence from the main squad raised eyebrows, given his consistent performances for Team India. Despite his limited opportunities as an 'Impact Player' in the IPL 2024, Rinku had impressed on the international stage. However, the selectors opted for other options, relegating Rinku to the reserves.
In a heartening gesture captured on camera, Shah Rukh Khan was seen accompanying Rinku Singh on his journey to Mumbai, a visual testament to the bond shared between the cricketing talent and the Bollywood megastar.
SRK, a fervent supporter of Rinku Singh, has long admired the youngster's prowess with the bat, particularly his memorable displays for KKR over the past seasons.
WATCH:
Rinku's exclusion from the main squad has been attributed in part to the controversial 'Impact Player' rule. His role as a finisher for KKR meant he often didn't get the chance to bat in the top five, resulting in fewer balls faced per innings.
Despite Singh's undeniable talent and past heroics, the selectors faced the challenge of accommodating him alongside established players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube within the 15-man squad.
