After the disappointment of not being selected for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, Rinku Singh found solace in the comforting words of his captain, Rohit Sharma. Despite being one of the top T20 performers globally, Rinku had to settle for a spot as a travelling reserve. The omission left many surprised, but Rohit’s words helped ease the pain.
A Difficult Decision
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that leaving Rinku out was one of the toughest decisions the selection committee had to make. Rinku had done everything right, but the team needed an additional bowling option to cover for Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns. Shivam Dube, who had a stellar IPL season, was chosen instead.
A Heartfelt Conversation
When Rohit Sharma met Rinku after the selection announcement, he offered words of encouragement. “Don’t worry about this World Cup,” Rohit told Rinku, reassuring him that at 26, there would be many more opportunities ahead. Rohit emphasized the importance of hard work and reminded Rinku that the T20 World Cup comes every two years.
Rohit Sharma’s Reassuring Words
Rinku Singh vividly recalls the moment when Rohit Sharma approached him after the T20 World Cup squad announcement. Rohit said, “Don’t worry, you are still very young. There will be many World Cups in the future. Keep working hard, and focus on the upcoming opportunities. A World Cup happens every two years, so stay determined and don’t be disappointed.” These words of encouragement from the captain helped Rinku stay motivated and focused on his cricketing journey.
Admiration for Leadership
Rinku has expressed his admiration for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s leadership styles. He appreciates Rohit’s calm and composed approach and Virat’s aggressive captaincy, which he believes is crucial for leading a team. For Rinku, these two captains represent different but equally valuable facets of leadership in cricket.
The Long Road Ahead
Rinku, a left-hander from Uttar Pradesh, continues to be one of the most reliable finishers in T20 cricket. Though he was overlooked for the World Cup, he remains optimistic about his future. He’s preparing for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, where he hopes to prove his worth once again.