Rinku Singh smashes 176 against Gujarat Titans spinner-led Tamil Nadu, his career-best Ranji Trophy score amidst India's batting woes

Not even a regular in the T20I playing XI, played his last ODI in 2023, Rinku Singh is quietly making a case for the Test team. The Uttar Pradesh middle-order batter Rinku sent a message with a 176-run knock against R Sai Kishore-led Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash in Coimbatore.

This is Rinku’s highest first-class score. Before his ninth century in the format, his career best score was 165 not out. This was Aligarh-born batter's 52nd first-class appearance. He averages 59.3 in the format.

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Rinku's overnight score was 98 which he scored in the presence of national selector Pragyan Ojha. After Tamil Nadu posted 455 on the board, powered by Baba Indrajith and Andre Siddarth's tons, Rinku led the charge. He walked out to bat at 149/3. Uttar Pradesh lost half the side for 191.

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Rinku shared crucial partnerships with Shivam Mavi (62-ball 54) and the lower order batters. He smashed six sixes and 17 fours in his 248-ball stay at the crease. Left-arm spinner P Vidyuth prevented Rinku from getting to his maiden first-class double century. When Rinku departed, Uttar Pradesh were 443/9, trailing by just 12 runs. Uttar Pradesh managed to take a five-run lead. They were bowled out for 460 in 145.1 overs.

Rinku’s stellar run in domestic cricket

This was Rinku's second consecutive century in Ranji Trophy. Before he boarded the flight to Australia for the five-T20I series, he scored an unbeaten 165 against Andhra Pradesh last month. He did not get a chance in the T20I series against Australia until the final game. However, the aggressive southpaw did not get to make an impact as the game in Brisbane was washed out due to rain.

Rinku waits long for opportunities

It is unlikely that Rinku gets into the ODI squad for the upcoming three-ODI series against South Africa. He isn’t part of the ongoing unofficial ODI series against South Africa A either.

The 28-year-old will be in action in the five-T20I series against the Proteas. However, it will be interesting to see how many chances he gets considering head coach Gautam Gambhir prefers to have all-rounders in the team. Rinku has worked in that aspect as well, bowling regularly in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.