IPL 2024: Why is Rinku Singh Struggling at KKR in this IPL?

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The exclusion of Rinku Singh from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad was one of the biggest shocks for Indian cricket fans. The 26-year-old batter has been a regular in India's T20 squad after IPL 2023.

He was also groomed by the team management for the finisher's role in the World Cup. Other than that, his performance in this IPL has been merely a shadow of that of the last IPL.

IPL 2024: Rinku Singh- Performances in IPL

In the last IPL, the left-handed power-hitter scored 474 runs with an average of 59.25, along with four half-centuries and delivered some match-winning performances. In a match against GT, he achieved a record-breaking feat, by scoring five sixes in the last over to successfully chase down 29 runs, which is the highest-ever last-over chase in IPL's history.

In IPL 2024, Singh has scored only 132 runs in 10 matches with an average of 18.86. The finisher has struggled in most of the matches. His 26 off 8 balls against DC and 20 off 9 balls against RR, are his only contributions this season.

Rinku Singh in the last Five Matches

1. vs MI: 9 off 8 balls
2. vs DC: 11 off 11 balls
3. vs PBKS: 5 off 4 balls
4. vs RCB: 24 off 16 balls
5. vs RR: 20 off 9 balls

IPL 2024: Two Factors Behind the Poor Performances by Rinku Singh in this Season

Batting too low in the order: This season the Knights' openers and top order are in exceptional form and their robust performances reduce the chances for the lower middle order batters like Rinku Singh to shine up.

Besides that last year, his brilliant display by hitting big shots at the end of the innings labelled him as a finisher. But in domestic cricket, Rinku usually bats way above in the order.

Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he started as a top-order batter. However, the KKR management's decision to use him as a lower-middle-order batter resulted in facing less number of balls and fewer chances to play.

T20 WC Snub: Despite having a successful season in both domestic cricket and IPL 2023, being missed out on the World Cup squad is certainly heartbreaking for him.

The incident certainly took a toll on his morale. The selectors went for an expert spinner instead of a finisher to maintain balance in the squad. Though he has been selected as a reserved player for the upcoming T20 WC 2024, it is unlikely that he will get the chance to represent India in the tournament.

The southpaw still has the chance to prove the selectors wrong by playing some knocks which will give justice to his talent and reputation. This will also help the youngster to secure his spot in team India for the upcoming tournaments.