Impact Player Rule Costs Rinku Singh T20 World Cup Spot

The "Impact Player" rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has inadvertently disadvantaged power-hitter Rinku Singh, who has been relegated to the reserves for the T20 World Cup. The rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, giving them an extra tactical option.

However, this rule has limited Rinku's playing time. As a finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he has only faced 82 balls in eight innings, averaging just 10 balls per innings. In contrast, Shivam Dube, who has played 203 balls for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been included in the main squad due to his increased game time.

Dube's ability to hit sixes (26) and fours (24) on slower decks has impressed the selectors. CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has effectively utilized Dube's power-hitting skills, while KKR has prioritized other players like Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer.

Rinku's strike rate of 176 in 15 games for India is impressive, but it has not been enough to secure him a spot in the main squad. His omission is reminiscent of Ambati Rayudu's unfortunate exclusion from the 2019 ODI World Cup squad.

Despite being named as a reserve, Rinku has a chance to make the 15-man squad if any of the first-team members are injured. The selectors also have the option to change the squad until May 23 if they deem it necessary.

Tags: #ImpactPlayerRule, #RinkuSingh, #T20WorldCup, #KKR, #CSK