In a surprising turn of events, Rinku Singh, who has been emerging as a finisher in T20 cricket, finds himself part of the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025 an inclusion he admits he never saw coming.
While players like Shreyas Iyer missed out on the selection, Rinku considers himself fortunate, especially given his own expectations or rather, the lack thereof.
The young all rounder from Uttar Pradesh, who’s been making waves as a powerful finisher in T20s, expressed his disbelief upon seeing his name in the squad.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to be part of the Asia Cup team,” Rinku revealed with a smile. “My recent performances in international and domestic cricket haven’t been consistent, so I wasn’t really hopeful about making it. But when I saw my name, it gave me a huge boost of confidence.”
Rinku’s journey took a significant turn after he played a match winning century for Meerut Mavericks in the ongoing UP T20 League his first ever in T20 Internationals. The milestone came just after the team selection, fueling his belief that perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Reflecting on his selection, Rinku shared, “Seeing my name on the list was truly inspiring. Last year, I didn’t perform well enough, and I thought there was a real chance I wouldn’t be included this time.
But the selectors showed faith in me, and that has really boosted my confidence. The performance I put in during the UP T20 League played a part in that, and I’m taking that momentum into the Asia Cup.”
The young cricketer also spoke about his versatility, emphasizing how current teams value players who can contribute in multiple roles. “Today’s cricket demands multi dimensional players.
The selectors are prioritizing those who can adapt and perform in different situations. If you can’t make an impact with the bat, then you’ve got to bring something with the ball whether it’s a couple of overs or crucial wickets,” he explained.
Rinku also touched on his evolution as a batter. “In 2023, I batted mostly at No. 5. But when I was asked to bat at No. 7 and 8, I felt a bit uncomfortable. Still, I understood the team needed me there, and I’ve been working on adapting to those roles.
I’ve played 33 T20Is for India so far, scoring three half centuries, and I’m confident I can perform anywhere just not limited to finishing alone.”
With a mixture of humility and determination, Rinku Singh’s story continues to inspire many. His journey from an underdog to an integral part of India’s Asia Cup squad is a testament to resilience and the power of believing in oneself even when the odds seem stacked against you.
