LUCKNOW, June 8 -- Despite being a key figure in India's T20 plans in recent years, Rinku Singh - widely regarded as one of the format's best finishers - has been left out of India's squads for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England, and for the Asian Games. The Uttar Pradesh batter, whose late-order fireworks and fearlessness have won him fans across the country, now faces a pivotal moment in his career.

Rinku is at the crossroads off the back of an excellent domestic season for Uttar Pradesh. And he is banking on two high-profile domestic T20 tournaments to reignite his international prospects. He will play for Crickgiri Panthers in the ongoing Ghaziabad Premier League and for Meerut Mavericks in the UPT20 League in August...