“I’ve gone a bit deeper into the numbers” - Ravi Ashwin reveals the reason why selectors picked Rinku Singh in T20 World Cup squad

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has revealed the actual reason why the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, went ahead with Rinku Singh instead of Jitesh Sharma as the finisher in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

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Notably, the selection committee made a few surprising calls in the World Cup squad with Shubman Gill being axed. Also, Jitesh, who was the first-choice keeper in the South Africa T20I series, was also axed.

“If Sanju Samson at the top of the order is locked in for you, and Ishan Kishan as the backup wicketkeeper is also locked in, then what is left? You need a hitter against fast bowlers to go along with Hardik. And who can do that better than Rinku Singh? Because when you compare Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh, I’ve gone a bit deeper into the numbers,” Ravi Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"People can go and check. Against spin, Jitesh Sharma is a monster hitter, but against fast bowling and towards the end of the innings, Rinku Singh has great numbers, along with pedigree and experience. That’s why they’ve gone back to Rinku Singh," he added.

Furthermore, Ashwin went on to state that the defending champions will go on to defend the title as firm favorites in the marquee event, which is scheduled to start on Saturday, February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

“I have another feeling that with this squad and the way they are playing cricket, it will come down to the day. I think India are firm, firm favourites. The way the squad has been picked, and seeing that other teams are not picking Varun Chakaravarthy, I’m ending up feeling that India will go in not only as firm favourites, it will take India having a really bad day and a poor start to the tournament for them to face any sort of trouble. I get the feeling that we might be on the verge of something special at home once again. There is a slight concern about Surya’s form, but I hope he really sorts it out over a period of time,” he concluded.

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