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Since Gautam Gambhir took over as Team India’s head coach, it has been very clear. He needs players who are not one dimensional, those who can contribute with bat and ball. It leads to multiple bowling options if a bowler or two are having a bad day. Also, it deepens the batting lineup. Ahead of the T20 Asia Cup 2025, many have predicted the playing XI for the first game where Rinku Singh does not make it to the side. However, Rinku has made a case for himself with stellar performances in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Premier T20 League 2025. The Meerut Mavericks captain is not afraid of rolling his arm and contributing with the ball either.
“Nowadays, every player is expected to contribute with both bat and ball. What else you can offer the team apart from your main skill is very important. If you are a batter and the captain gives you the ball and you manage to take a couple of wickets, there’s nothing better than that. It helps you and the team as well. If needed, I can bowl and pick up wickets too,” Rinku told TOI.
“Even selectors look at whether a player can contribute in both departments, so it definitely adds value. There’s no harm in it — it’s always for the team’s good. As a batter, if the captain hands me the ball in a particular situation and I take wickets, it’s a big plus for the team,” he added.
Rinku’s bowling in international cricket
The last time Rinku bowled in T20Is was in the penultimate over when Sri Lanka needed nine runs from 12 balls. He got the wicket of set batter Kusal Perera and Ramesh Mendis. The off-spinner conceded just three runs from his over and it led to a super over which India eventually won. Rinku has bowled in ODIs too and has a wicket from one over.
Rinku’s bowling in UP T20 League 2025
In the ongoing UP T20 League 2025, Rinku has been bowling as well. In the opening encounter, he knocked over Kanpur Superstars' Adarsh Singh from around the wicket. He bowled in a few other games, but did not get a wicket. He was mostly economical, barring one game where he conceded 30 runs from two overs.
It will be interesting to see whether he features in the qualifiers clash on September 3 considering Team India have to assemble in Dubai for T20 Asia Cup 2025 on September 4.
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