Washington Sundar has been picked for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa in place of Rinku, who was part of
the Asia Cup squad, a move that again highlights head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s preference for
adding more all-round depth.
Pathan felt that Hardik Pandya’s comeback from injury ultimately cost Rinku his place, and added that the squad chosen
for the South Africa series is likely to form almost the entire core, about 95 percent, of next year’s T20 World Cup
"Hardik Pandya is back so Rinku Singh is out. Rinku Singh is unfortunate but this was obvious once Hardik was ready to
return. This squad is 90-95% of what India will pick for the 2026 T20 World Cup," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
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“Hardik Pandya's role will be the most crucial for India in T20 World Cup”
Pathan weighed in on India’s T20 plans with a sharp assessment of their balance and key personnel. Highlighting the
decisions around pace, all-round options and spin depth, he stressed that one player, in particular, will shape India’s
fortunes at the T20 World Cup — setting up his pointed remark below.
"India have to clear several things. Whether they go with Bumrah, Hardik and Shivam Dube along with the three spinners,
Axar, Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy. But I believe Hardik's role will be the most crucial for India's progress in T20s
and in the World cup. Him and one other finisher playing with him, those two will be most crucial for whether India
winning the trophy again or not," he stated.