Players Who Could Be Out Of India's T20I Squad If Rinku Singh Performs Vs Zimbabwe

Players who can be replaced by Rinku Singh [Source: AFP, X]

Led by Shreyas Iyer, India will take on Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series, starting this week. The tour marks the comeback of Rinku Singh, who was left out of the India T20I squad vs Ireland and England following a torrid T20 World Cup campaign on home soil. 

The first match of the India tour of Zimbabwe 2026 will be played at the Harare Sports Club on July 23. The iconic cricketing venue will host the subsequent matches of the series on the 25th and 26th of the month. 

Why did BCCI bring Rinku Singh back for India vs Zimbabwe T20Is?

Rinku Singh's return was fuelled by the struggle of India's middle-order batters in Ireland and England. Statistically, India's middle-order players, from 4 to 7 batting positions, collectively managed 593 runs at a poor average of 23.72 and a modest strike rate of 133.55 on the UK tour. 

As a result, the Indians put up shambolic batting shows in multiple encounters throughout the tour. The middling performance from some of the big names prompted the BCCI to bring Rinku Singh back in order to solidify the batting lineup. 

Rinku, who was lacklustre with the bat in the T20 World Cup 2026, followed it up with an impactful IPL season, amassing 295 runs in 11 innings, averaging 59 and striking at 148.99. 

Now, if Rinku Singh gets a chance in the India vs Zimbabwe series and performs admirably, he can shut the door for several established names, as explained below. 

Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Record In Zimbabwe Before IND vs ZIM Series 2026

Players who can be out of India's T20I squad if Rinku Singh delivers vs Zimbabwe

1. Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma has received massive flak for his poor scoring rate in recent times. Although the southpaw has shown consistency, his strike rate of 134.46 doesn't meet the benchmark for modern-day T20Is. 

As Rinku Singh has a T20I strike rate of 155.7, it's natural from the Indian team management's perspective to view him as a more explosive option in the middle order. 

The southpaw showcased nerves of steel for KKR in the IPL 2026, bailing them out with sensational fifties against LSG. As he can switch gears at will, Rinku can prove himself to be an upgrade over Tilak, provided he makes his chances count in the Zimbabwe series. 

2. Axar Patel

Experienced allrounder Axar Patel isn't part of the India T20I squad vs Zimbabwe. Given how India's allrounder-heavy batting unit struggled in the UK, the think tank, led by Shreyas Iyer and VVS Laxman, could prioritise specialist batters in the Zimbabwe series. 

So, Rinku Singh could get a golden opportunity to cement his place by stepping up with the bat. Axar Patel has abysmal numbers with the bat in 2026, managing 69 runs in 12 innings at a horrendous average and strike rate of 6.27 and 97.18. 

Furthermore, considering the 2028 T20 World Cup will be played in Australia and New Zealand, India need pace-hitters to spearhead their finishing department. Rinku perfectly fits the bill in this regard, and if he delivers in the Zimbabwe series, India might not hesitate to exclude the struggling Axar from their World Cup plans. 

3. Washington Sundar

Just like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar is another first-choice player who will miss India's upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. Although he has been a regular member of the T20I team, Sundar could see an abrupt end to his T20I career if Rinku Singh makes his bat do the talking in Zimbabwe. 

Despite India trying him at different positions, Sundar has been disappointing with the bat, scoring 279 runs at a miserable average of 15.5. He has 51 scalps in 62 matches, taking almost 21 balls to pick up a wicket. 

As the Washington Sundar experiment hasn't yielded desirable results, India might exclude the Tamil Nadu player from the T20I scheme of things if Rinku Singh proves his mettle. 

Given that he is an excellent fielder, a much better striker of the ball than Sundar and can also be useful with his off-spin, Rinku Singh can replace the designated allrounder for the 2028 T20 World Cup. 

Also Read: Things VVS Laxman Might Do Differently Than Gautam Gambhir As India Head Coach vs Zimbabwe