Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan linked Rinku Singh’s exclusion to Hardik Pandya’s comeback.
Irfan Pathan has stated that Rinku Singh missed selection for India’s upcoming T20I series against South Africa due to Hardik Pandya’s return. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the five-match series on December 3.
Pathan predicted this squad closely resembles the team for next year’s T20 World Cup. He made the comments in a video on his YouTube channel.
“Hardik Pandya is back so Rinku Singh is out. Rinku Singh is unfortunate but this was obvious once Hardik was ready to return. This squad is 90-95% of what India will pick for the 2026 T20 World Cup,” stated Irfan.
Pathan on Hardik’s Crucial Role
Pathan noted the team management must finalize their bowling combinations. He emphasized Hardik Pandya’s importance in the T20 setup ahead of the World Cup.
“India have to clear several things. Whether they go with Bumrah, Hardik and Shivam Dube along with the three spinners, Axar, Kuldeep and Varun Chakaravarthy. But I believe Hardik’s role will be the most crucial for India’s progress in T20Is and in the World cup. Him and one other finisher playing with him, those two will be most crucial for whether India winning the trophy again or not,” he added.
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Hardik Pandya recently played Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches to prove his fitness. He was injured during India’s Asia Cup campaign in 2025. Rinku Singh’s exclusion has drawn criticism from some cricket experts.
The Indian team is currently playing South Africa in an all-format tour. The T20I series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 9.
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