Why is Rinku Singh Dropped from IND vs SA T20I Series Squad?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the upcoming 5-match T20I series against South Africa. The 15-member squad has a few surprises rather than what was anticipated before the revelation. India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the squad after sustaining an injury in the Asia Cup 2025.

The selectors have picked up four all-rounders despite the matches being in India. While some might argue that this was completely unnecessary, they have dropped an important player from the IND vs SA T20I Series Squad, Rinku Singh.

Rinku Singh Dropped: Know the Reason

Rinku Singh, who is becoming one of the best finishers in the world, has been dropped from the T20I series for a reason that is unknown, but it might be due to his wedding. Rinku, who got engaged in May 2025 to MLA Priya, is all set to tie the knot in between the series and hence, requested the board to grant him leave. The first game is set to start on December 9, after the completion of the ODI series, and Rinku Singh Marriage is also expected to happen around those dates, but the confirmation is yet to come.

The left-handed batter has won numerous games for India, but due to the presence of all-rounders in the team, Rinku missed the chance to play in the Asia Cup 2025. However, he did hit the winning runs for the team in the final. While he is omitted from the T20I squad against South Africa, it will be interesting to see if the selectors will add him back in the World Cup squad. He was a part of the World Cup back in 2024 as well.

BCCI Reveal Indian Jersey for T20 World Cup 2026

The T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to start from February 7 and will continue up to March 8. The marquee event will be played between 20 teams, divided into four groups. India has arch-rival Pakistan in their group, so they are once again going to meet in the World Cups. They also have chances to play in the Super 8 as well.

For the World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the jersey during the 2nd ODI match against South Africa. Tilak Varma and Rohit Sharma were called onto the stage to reveal the jersey, which looked very beautiful. There are minute changes made from the last jersey, but it looks good. The players will surely enjoy wearing the jersey in the upcoming event. India will be preparing hard for the World Cup since they are the defending champions. They have a chance to defend the title as the tournament is scheduled in India. The hosts will have a home game advantage, and it will be intriguing to watch them lift the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where they lost the ODI World Cup 2023.