The star Indian left-hander Rinku Singh justified his selection in India's T20I squad for the Asia Cup with a stunning century in the UP T20 League. Just days after being picked in the Indian T20I squad ahead of Shreyas Iyer, Rinku showed why the selectors were right to trust him.
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Several questions surrounded his selection in the Indian squad ahead of the IPL-winning skipper and Punjab Kings' captain Iyer. The KKR batter has now made a strong statement for all the critics as he unleashed beast mode in a challenging chase.
Rinku Singh smashes century days after Asia Cup selection
Playing for the Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League, Rinku scored a magnificent hundred, 108 off just 48 balls. His knock included seven fours and eight maximums, at a staggering strike rate of 225.
Chasing a modest total of 168 against the Gorakhpur Lions at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Rinku's team was in deep trouble. The southpaw walked in when his side was 38/4, and what followed was absolute carnage.
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Rinku took charge and smashed the Lions' bowlers all over the park to take his side to a wonderful victory. He stitched a 130-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Sahab Yuvraj (22) and sealed a 6-wicket victory with 7 balls to spare.
Chasing a target of 168, Rinku walks in at 38-4. Scores unbeaten 108 off 48. Wins the game in the 19th over. 🤯
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 21, 2025
The One. The Only. RINKU SINGH! 🦁 💜
pic.twitter.com/YCjQcLMcaH
Earlier, Gorakhpur Lions reached a respectable total of 167, on the back of some gritty knocks. After losing their opener Aryan Juyal in the very first over, Lions' skipper Dhruv Jurel (38) stitched a crucial 45-run stand with Akshdeep Nath (23) to steady the ship. A late burst of 37 from Nishant Kushwaha raised the Lions to 167 in their 20 overs.
What's ahead for Rinku Singh?
While Rinku's place in the Asia Cup squad was heavily questioned, his wonderful knock might silence the critics. The batter was going through a lean patch for the past year, with limited opportunities both in IPL and International cricket.
The upcoming Asia Cup would be crucial for the UP batter to reassure one and all with his skills and abilities as a match-winner for India.
The Men's Asia Cup 2025 will commence in the UAE on September 9 and run until September 28.