Rinku Singh has to be a certainty as one of the 15 members in the side: Krishnamachari Srikkanth

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 draws to a close, the spotlight shifts to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup set to kick off in Texas on June 11. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, seasoned veterans and emerging talents alike are vying for coveted spots in India's World Cup squad.

From Virat Kohli to KL Rahul, the big names are leaving no stone unturned to catch the selectors' eyes. Their performances in the IPL could be the ticket to donning the Indian blue in the World T20 tournament co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States.

One name that has been making waves is that of Rinku Singh. Despite limited opportunities in the IPL, the Kolkata Knight Riders' batter has impressed cricket pundits, including 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Srikkanth has thrown his weight behind Rinku, endorsing him for a spot in India's final 15 for the T20 World Cup.

"A classic example is Rinku Singh. Rinku Singh is a certainty in my 15. He hasn't got that many opportunities to bat in the IPL but you see his international track record, it's an amazing track record. Amazing track record in South Africa and with every opportunity he has got. So Rinku Singh has to be a certainty in the 15," Srikkanth remarked on the Star Sports Press Room Show. 

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Rinku Singh's performances speak for themselves. Despite his limited outings, he has managed to rack up 112 runs in eight games for Kolkata this season, boasting an impressive strike rate of 157.74. With his ability to finish games and a proven track record in international cricket, Rinku emerges as a strong contender for a spot in the Indian squad.

"But if we go by recent form or opportunities, he hasn't got enough opportunities. End of the day you've to forget who the player is and look at what is his track record. Is he a great player, is a deadly player, is he fit? So Rinku Singh has to be a certainty, he has to get the Visa and he will fasten his seat belt to take the flight to the United States to play the game as one of the 15 members in the side," Srikanth added.