Indian batsman Rinku Singh is frequently commended for his ability to hit hard in the shortest format. The left-handed hitter has played in 33 Twenty20 Internationals and two One-Day Internationals since his August 2023 debut against Ireland. The 27-year-old, who is also a member of India’s 2025 Asia Cup team, wants to become an all-format player and shed the label of T20 specialist.
The southpaw has been regarded as a dependable finisher despite having little international experience to far. This is mostly due to his valiant efforts in the Indian Premier League and, more recently, the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. Rinku wants to emphasize, though, that his skills are not limited to white-ball cricket. He thinks he has the ability set to be successful in red-ball cricket as well, having achieved a first-class record of averaging over 55 in the Ranji Trophy.
“I know fans love it when I hit sixes, and I’m really grateful for that. But my Ranji Trophy average is also very good — I average over 55 there. I really enjoy playing red-ball cricket. I’ve also played two ODIs for India and did well in one of them. So, it’s not like I’m only a T20 player. I believe I can perform in every format if I get the chance. I don’t like being tagged as a one-format player; I see myself as an all-format player. My dream is to play Test cricket for India, and if I get the opportunity, I’ll be ready to grab it,” Rinku was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
Rinku Singh names Suresh Raina as his cricketing idol
The Aligarh native also credited former India cricketer Suresh Raina, revealing that he aims to be a player like his idol.
“Suresh Raina Bhaiya is my idol. He always tells me, ‘Rinku, be ready and prepared for everything.’ I’d be very happy to play Tests for India and contribute there too. Raina Bhaiya has played most of his matches at the position where I bat, and he has produced many match-winning knocks. I want to be the same kind of player for India across all formats.”
Rinku Singh
Rinku led his team to a successful chase of 136 in only 15.4 overs while captaining the Meerut Mavericks against the Kashi Rudras in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. Rinku scored an undefeated 78 off 48 balls. His tournament total of 295 runs at a strike rate of 170.52 came after that innings, which came after his last century (108 off 48 balls).
Rinku is confident about earning a spot in the 2026t20 World Cup which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka after being narrowly missed out on selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“Yes, my dream is to be part of the World Cup squad and to hold that trophy. I keep praying to God for that. If I perform well in the upcoming series, things will become clearer for the World Cup. That’s my ultimate aim—to do well for my country in the Asia Cup, and I’m confident I will deliver.”
Rinku Singh
