As the countdown begins for the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are staring at a familiar yet tricky challenge: how to strike the perfect balance in a squad overflowing with batting talent. And in that selection puzzle, one name that suddenly looks vulnerable is Rinku Singh.
From IPL Stardom to Selection Doubts
Just a year ago, Rinku Singh was hailed as India’s next T20 finisher – the man who could do to bowling attacks what MS Dhoni once did in crunch moments. His unforgettable assault of five consecutive sixes in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders turned him into a household name overnight. It also earned him the tag of being India’s “designated closer” in the shortest format.
But cricket moves quickly. Across the last two IPL seasons, Rinku’s role with KKR has diminished. Facing just 113 and 134 deliveries, his opportunities to showcase finishing flair have been limited, and when they did come, the impact wasn’t significant enough to silence doubts. For national selectors, already juggling an overcrowded batting lineup, this has become hard to ignore.
The Stiff Competition
The real problem for Rinku isn’t just form – it’s competition. If India’s full-strength squad is available, the batting core practically picks itself. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya all appear certain in the selectors’ minds.
On top of that, the likes of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are battling for limited slots at the top of the order. Leaving either out is already a headache. A former selector summed it up bluntly:
“Shreyas Iyer has 600 runs at a strike-rate of 180 but he bats in top four. Where is the place for him? If you include Shubman, who is the flavour of the season, who do you leave out? You can’t disturb the top five right now and if you pick Shubman, obviously the Test captain and IPL team captain won’t sit out. The compromise? Unfortunately, I only see Rinku’s spot being iffy.”
It’s a fair point. Even without Jaiswal in the equation, the competition for batting slots is ruthless.
The All-Rounder Factor
Another challenge for Rinku is the rise of multi-dimensional cricketers. Shivam Dube offers six-hitting power in the middle order and a handy bowling option. Jitesh Sharma, on the other hand, doubles up as a wicket-keeper, giving the team flexibility.
In a format where teams value utility as much as raw batting, Rinku’s one-dimensional profile puts him at a disadvantage.
What Next for Rinku?
Rinku Singh is still only 27 and has plenty of time to rediscover his spark. His temperament, composure under pressure, and clean striking ability remain unquestioned. But for the Asia Cup 2025, the timing feels stacked against him.
India’s top and middle order is crowded, all-rounders are in demand, and selectors are unwilling to tinker with a settled batting core. Unless injuries open up unexpected doors, Rinku may have to watch this Asia Cup from the sidelines – a reminder of how fleeting opportunities can be at the highest level.
Rinku Singh’s story is far from over. But as things stand, the Asia Cup 2025 squad may move forward without him, leaving the KKR star with the challenge of forcing his way back through weight of performances. For now, the finisher who once captured the nation’s imagination must bide his time, as India’s talent-rich batting line-up leaves no room for error.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Trade Window: Why Sanju Samson To CSK Could Be A Masterstroke? 5 Big Reasons Revealed!
