Rinku Singh produced a composed 160 to rescue Uttar Pradesh from a precarious position against Andhra in the opening round of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy at Green Park, Kanpur, signalling his readiness for the upcoming India vs Australia T20I series.
Coming in at number five, Rinku showcased patience and resilience as UP struggled at 178 for five, having lost four wickets for just 34 runs. His innings underlined maturity and composure, guiding the hosts out of early trouble against Andhra’s potent bowling attack.
Rinku’s knock, spanning over 260 deliveries, was a blend of grit and responsibility rather than flamboyance. Alongside Vipraj Nigam, who contributed 42 runs, he built a crucial 122-run partnership for the seventh wicket, helping Uttar Pradesh surpass 450 and regain control after early setbacks.
This century marked Rinku surpassing 3,400 runs in first-class cricket, averaging over 55, with eight hundreds and 22 fifties. Primarily recognised for his T20 prowess, Rinku has demonstrated consistency across formats, also maintaining a near-50 average in List-A cricket.
The timing of this performance is significant, with India preparing for a five-match T20I series against Australia starting October 29. With Hardik Pandya unavailable due to injury, Rinku’s composure in domestic cricket offers selectors reassurance, particularly in the finisher role.
Rinku Singh’s innings helped Uttar Pradesh take a first innings lead, though the match against Andhra ended in a draw, leaving a strong impression ahead of the international series.
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