Rinku Singh opens up about not being selected for Duleep Trophy: 'I believe I was overlooked because...'

Flamboyant India batter Rinku Singh has openly admitted that his lack of form in the last season's Ranji Trophy led to him being left out of the Duleep Trophy squads recently announced by the BCCI. Despite being a key player in India's T20I squad, Rinku's performance in first-class cricket has not been up to par. The talented left-hander from Uttar Pradesh has an impressive record, with 3173 runs at an average of over 50 in 47 matches, including 7 centuries. However, he did not have many opportunities to showcase his skills in the Ranji Trophy last season. In his last red-ball appearance for UP, Rinku managed just 26 runs off 33 balls in a drawn match against Andhra.

Rinku is touted as India's next big finisher in T20Is with his ability to clear boundary ropes on will in the shortest format. The UP batter has an incredible record in T20Is for India, with 418 runs in 23 matches at an astonishing average of 59.71. In a very short career, he has already won numerous matches for India in the shortest format. However, he has yet to make his international debut in red-ball cricket.

The BCCI has also indicated that Rinku is not in its plans for red-ball cricket, as he was snubbed from the four squads picked for the Duleep Trophy.

The 26-year-old said that he didn't play many matches in Ranji Trophies last season, and his recent red-ball performances are the reason behind his snub from the Duleep Trophy.

"Nothing...I didn't perform that well (in the domestic season). I didn't play many matches in the Ranji Trophy...I played 2-3 matches. I wasn't selected because I didn't play that well. I might get selected for next-round matches," Rinku told Sportstak.

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Rinku also made his ODI debut in December last year but has yet to get a chance in Test cricket. However, he travelled with the Indian team in the Test series against England earlier this year.

Recently, Rinku impressed many with his fielding skills and bagged the 'Fielder of the Series' award following Men in Blue's 3-0 triumph over Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series. India head coach T Dilip announced the contenders for the 'Fielder of the Series' award and named Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh and Riyan Parag. However, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate awarded the 'Fielder of the Series' medal to the 26-year-old.

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