Explained: Why KKR star Rinku Singh hasn't even played for India A team yet

Rinku Singh helped KKR win against GT by hitting five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal.

Rinku Singh wrote his name in Indian Premier League history after he helped the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeat defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2023, by hitting five sixes in the last over when 21 runs were needed to win the match.

Rinku is the perfect example of how IPL has been the perfect breeding ground for cricketing talents in India. Over the years, many players have come, made a name for themselves in the T20 league, and gone on to make their international debuts.

With his 'Five Sixes' feat against Gujarat Titans, Rinku is making the noise for national selection. However, let alone a call-up to the Indian team, Rinku Singh is yet to make his debut for India A side.

India A is a platform that gives high-potential players a channel to showcase their quality and learn from the exposure of playing on different international sides across the world.

The reason why Rinku Singh is yet to play in the India A side

Rinku, who has been giving glimpses of his potential over the last two years in the IPL, is yet to feature in the India A team. However, he had a chance to showcase his brilliance for the India A side back in 2019, which was to play Sri Lanka A in an unofficial Test series.

However, he was suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for taking part in an overseas T20 tournament without prior permission.

Notably, Rinku Singh had featured for Deccan Gladiators in Abu Dhabi's Ramadan T20 Cup, scoring 361 runs at an average of 51.57 and a strike rate of 176. While, he performed well for his franchise in the tournament, by doing so, he broke the BCCI rule which led to his suspension.

In a statement, the BCCI said then: "Rinku Singh Has Been Suspended With Immediate Effect For A Period Of Three Months Starting June 1, 2019. He Has Been Removed From The Current India 'A' Squad Set To Play A Multi-Day Game Against Sri Lanka 'A' Starting May 31, 2019. The BCCI Will Not Tolerate Such Violations In The Future And Strict Actions Will Be Taken If A Player Is Found Violating The BCCI Rules And Regulations.”

Rinku has since then restricted himself to the Indian competitions only and with experience of 40 First-Class games under his belt and Indian Premier League heroics, he has certainly given his India A ambitions a big boost.