Rinku Singh just proved everyone wrong with a brilliant inning! He smashed 176 runs for Uttar Pradesh against Tamil Nadu recently. This came right after KKR retention gave him a confidence boost.
Many critics called him just a T20 specialist before this. But Rinku showed he can dominate red-ball cricket too. His knock saved UP from a tough situation completely. Let’s see how he destroyed the T20 tag forever.
Rinku Singh’s Match-Saving Knock
UP was struggling badly at 191 for 5 wickets. They were chasing a massive lead of 455 runs against Tamil Nadu. Rinku walked in when his team needed him desperately. He played with patience and power together beautifully.
His innings included 17 fours and 6 massive sixes. Rinku Singh countered Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack brilliantly throughout his stay. He formed a crucial 104-run partnership with Shivam Mavi. Mavi contributed 54 valuable runs in that stand together.
This wasn’t his first big score in the Ranji Trophy either. Rinku scored 165 against Andhra in his previous match. That’s back-to-back centuries in first-class cricket now. His batting average stands at 57 after 53 matches. He has 9 centuries and 22 fifties already recorded.
The innings helped UP secure three important tournament points. Rinku saved the match when everyone expected defeat.
Breaking the T20 Tag Completely
People always label Rinku as a T20 specialist unfairly. His IPL heroics for KKR created that T20 tag unfortunately. But his first-class record tells a different story altogether.
He adapts his game according to format requirements smartly. Test cricket needs patience and technique together. Rinku Singh possesses those qualities in abundance. The KKR retention before this innings boosted his confidence massively.
Many experts compare him with Rishabh Pant’s playing style. Both attack bowlers but have solid technical foundations underneath. Rinku’s red-ball performances deserve more recognition now.
Could Rinku Singh Play Test Cricket?
India’s Test team has injury concerns with several players. Rinku Singh’s strong technique makes him a potential replacement option. His recent Ranji Trophy performances definitely caught the selectors’ attention.
The KKR retention shows faith in his abilities overall. Teams don’t retain players without seeing long-term potential there. Rinku can adapt to any format successfully and clearly.
His evolving role as a first-class player looks promising. The T20 tag doesn’t stick on him anymore honestly.
