Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called Rinku Singh’s omission from the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa “unfortunate but obvious,” pointing to Hardik Pandya’s return as the decisive factor. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said the squad announced for the series starting December 9 is “90-95 percent” of what India will take to the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Hardik’s all-round abilities trumping Rinku’s finishing prowess.

“Hardik Pandya is back, so Rinku Singh is out. This was obvious once Hardik was ready to return,” Pathan said bluntly, explaining that Pandya’s presence allows India to potentially play three spinners (Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy) alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube, offering unmatched balance. “Hardik and one other finisher playing with him will be most crucial for India winning the trophy again,” he added.

Rinku, who played just one match in the recent Australia T20I series, has been a consistent middle-order destroyer since his debut, averaging over 60 and striking at 175+ in T20Is. However, with Hardik reclaiming the No. 6-7 slot and providing seam-bowling depth, the selectors opted for continuity over form.

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Pathan’s assessment underscores the harsh reality of India’s T20 depth: even a player of Rinku’s caliber can find himself on the outside when senior stars return fit. The series against South Africa—starting in Cuttack on December 9—will be Hardik’s first T20I assignment since the Asia Cup semi-final injury, and all eyes will be on whether his all-round impact justifies the tough call on Rinku.

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