India's explosive batter Rinku Singh came out with a blistering knock just in time which not only boosted his confidence but also justified his spot in India's Asia Cup squad.
Rinku Singh roars with spellbinding century in UPT20 League ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Rinku Singh wreaked havoc with the bat and smashed a roaring century in the UPT20 League few days after his selection in India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 which is set to start from September 9. Playing for the Meerut Mavericks, Rinku single-handedly took control of the game against the Gorakhpur Lions, scoring a lightning 48-ball 108. In a power-hitting masterclass Rinku hammered seven fours and eight massive sixes that led his team to a thrilling six-wicket victory.
This century couldn't have come at a better time for Rinku. The knock was crucial, as it was played under immense pressure. The Mavericks were in deep trouble, reeling at 38 for 4 while chasing a target of 168. Rinku, however, stood firm and pulled his team from the brink of defeat. While Rinku had a sensational start to his international career, his form had recently tapered off, with only one fifty-plus score in his last eleven innings. Despite this dip, the selectors kept their faith in him, and this timely century will surely give him the confidence boost he needs to perform for India in the upcoming Asia Cup.
After his surprising omission from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, the Asia Cup 2025 presents a crucial opportunity for the star southpaw to cement his place in the Indian team. He was considered a lock for the T20 World Cup squad, but stiff competition ultimately saw him miss out. Now, with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Asia Cup, which will be played in T20 format, is his chance to prove his worth and make a strong case for selection.
With veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja no longer in the squad, there's a genuine opening in the playing XI for Rinku. However, he'll need to earn his spot through consistent, impactful performances. Following a disappointing IPL season and a recent dip in form, the pressure is on. If he fails to deliver in the Asia Cup, his position in the Indian squad could be at risk. But Rinku is a class act, and the batting-friendly conditions in the UAE should play to his strengths, offering him the perfect stage to shine.
India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel