Wasim Jaffer questions Rinku Singh’s exclusion for AFG vs IND 2026 T20Is

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has questioned Rinku Singh’s exclusion for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Singh has scored 702 runs in 35 T20I innings at an average of 36.95 and he has done a decent job in adding the finishing touches for the team.

The left-hander was part of the Zimbabwe tour but could not find a place in the squad for Afghanistan series. Singh scored 37 runs in two innings at an average of 18.50 and a strike rate of 168.18 against Zimbabwe.

Jaffer reckons Rinku Singh has been left out of the squad for no real reason.

Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “He has played very well in the IPL, and even recently, whether you talk about the Uttar Pradesh Premier League or the Duleep Trophy. Even though the latter is red-ball cricket. So, I feel Rinku Singh is unfortunate that he hasn’t been able to make his place in the team. But among all these players, I would say that, for Rinku Singh, it feels a little like he has been left out of the team for no real reason.”

Meanwhile, Rinku Singh scored 80 runs in a solitary Duleep Trophy match.

On the other hand, recently Kuldeep Yadav was dropped in the second Test match against Sri Lanka after he failed to impress in the opening game. Yadav was not picked for Afghanistan T20I series and Jaffer admited he feels bad for the UP spinner.

“As for Kuldeep, again, I’ve said this so many times that it has become repetitive. But I feel he has gone out of favour for no reason, so I feel bad for him.”

The first T20I between Afghanistan and India will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on September 13.