Robin Uthappa Critiques India's T20 World Cup Selection Strategy

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has voiced his concerns regarding the selection process for the upcoming T20 World Cup, particularly criticizing the omission of Rinku Singh from the recent series against South Africa. He advocates for a larger squad to allow for better evaluation of players. Uthappa also emphasizes the importance of a balanced batting strategy, suggesting that Tilak Varma should take on the anchor role. With impressive performances in the South Africa series, Varma's adaptability makes him a strong candidate for a key position in India's World Cup lineup. Read on to discover more about Uthappa's insights and the implications for the Indian cricket team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 16:51 IST

Concerns Over Team Selection

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has raised concerns regarding the selection decisions made by the team management in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He expressed his dissatisfaction with Rinku Singh's exclusion from the recent home series against South Africa, only for the player to be included later in the World Cup squad.

Call for a Larger Squad

In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Uthappa emphasized that Rinku should have been part of the bilateral series. He proposed that India could have opted for a 16-member squad instead of limiting themselves to 15 players. "Rinku should have been included from the start. You could have easily taken a 16th player for your bilateral series. It’s not a big deal to have 16 or 17 players; you can always trim it down later," Uthappa stated.

Flexibility in Selection

He further explained that having a larger squad would have provided selectors with better options to evaluate players before finalizing the World Cup team. "Carrying 16 or 17 players in a home series supports your strategy, allowing you to make informed choices for the World Cup squad," he added.

Recent Squad Changes

Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan have been reinstated in India's squad for the upcoming tournament, while Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma, who participated in the series against South Africa, have been omitted from the final lineup.

Batting Strategy Insights

Uthappa also shared his thoughts on India's batting strategy in T20 matches, warning against an over-reliance on aggressive tactics, which may falter in high-pressure situations. He suggested that Tilak Varma should be assigned the role of an anchor in the batting lineup.

Tilak Varma's Performance

Uthappa noted, "If you play cricket too aggressively, following the template of SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL, you might succeed in bursts, but it’s not a sustainable approach in crucial games. Tilak can serve as the anchor, and that’s the role he should take on. The great thing about Tilak is his versatility in playing both aggressive and stable innings."

Impressive Stats

Tilak Varma's performance in the South Africa series bolstered his case for a significant role in the World Cup. The left-handed batsman was the top run-scorer, accumulating 187 runs over four innings with a strike rate of 131.69. His ability to balance aggression with stability positions him as a key player for India's World Cup aspirations.