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'Wasn't selected because...,' India batter Rinku Singh opens up on not playing Duleep Trophy

'Wasn't selected because...,' India batter Rinku Singh opens up on not playing Duleep Trophy

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India's T20I batter Rinku Singh has opened up on his snub from the upcoming Duleep Trophy - domestic red-ball tournament between four teams selected from top Test prospects.

The move from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that Rinku isn't on the selector's radar for a red-ball debut as of now. The left-hand batter, however, seems okay with it and blames his own form for the snub.

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"Nothing...I didn't perform that well (in the domestic season). I didn't play many matches in the Ranji Trophy...I played 2-3 matches. I wasn't selected because I didn't play that well. I might get selected for next-round matches," Rinku said while talking to Sportstak.

The left-hander, meanwhile, has become a permanent fixture in the shortest format for India and is touted as the next finisher after MS Dhoni.

Rinku rose to fame with his calmness during some big chases in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His most notably cameo came in 2023 when he smashed five sixes in a row in the last over of the match to take his team through.

LSG Look For Gambhir's Replacement

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is in negotiations with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the mentor's role. The northern IPL franchise, who came into the scene in 2022, has been without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir left the position vacant ahead of IPL 2024, to become Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s mentor. Thus, LSG is looking for Gambhir's successor.

Interestingly, Zaheer's name had cropped up as a likely candidate to become India's next bowling coach after the resignation of the Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff. However, Morkel pipped the former Indian speedster.