Lucknow, India: Star Indian hitter Rinku Singh has been having a hard time lately, which is unusual for him. His recent performance, which included only 67 runs in his last seven T20 matches and no fifties in 28 IPL games since his India debut in 2023, made it unclear whether he would be picked for the Asia Cup.
Even though there was criticism and a drop in his batting stats, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel trusted Rinku’s demonstrated skill as a finisher, especially in the last few overs of the game. Many people, however, criticized the choice and questioned why he was included.
Rinku, a left-handed batter noted for hitting the ball hard, picked the right time to show his critics that they were wrong. He scored an amazing unbroken century in a UPT20 League game in Lucknow on Thursday night that left everyone speechless.
Rinku stepped to the crease for the Meerut Mavericks with his team in a lot of trouble at 31/3, shortly to be 38/4, while trying to reach a target of 168. Dhruv Jurel led the Gorakhpur Lions, who were sure they would win. Rinku, on the other hand, had different ideas.
He hit an unbeaten 108 off of 48 balls, showing off his remarkable batting skills. He hit seven fours and eight sixes in his innings, which was a masterclass in controlled aggressiveness. His strike rate was an amazing 225. He turned the game around all by himself, putting together an unbroken 130-run fifth-wicket partnership with Sahib Yuvraj Singh (22 runs off 22 balls). His gallant actions led the Mavericks to a stunning win with seven balls to spare.
Rinku said that he was anxious for a while after being chosen. “I wasn’t sure about my choice because I had a lot on my mind,” he stated. “At first, I was a little anxious about my possibilities. People who weren’t me have also done well in the IPL. So, I was a little bit worried. I wasn’t sure if I would receive a name or not, but the selectors gave me confidence, and now I have to trust that confidence.
He remarked that his primary goal was to win the match for his team, even if he played very well. He said, “There was a lot of pressure in the middle because we had already lost four wickets.” “I was determined to finish the game and win, and that’s what happened.”
Rinku said that the long time at the crease—almost 13 overs—let him relax and play his natural game, which is something he doesn’t get to do very often as a finisher. He said, “When I have time, I play.” “I settle down with 5 or 6 balls and then I play based on the situation.”
The left-handed player also said he was sad he missed the last T20 World Cup and that he was determined to make the most of this current chance. “Yes, I missed the T20 World Cup last year, and I wanted to get back in the game.” This time, the selectors gave me a chance, and I shall do my best to meet their expectations.
Utkarsh Chandra, Rinku’s coach and a former Ranji Trophy bowler, wasn’t completely shocked by how well he did. Chandra remarked, “He is the kind of batter who can change the game at any time, especially when chasing.” “Rinku played a couple innings like this even last season, and they helped the team win the championship for the first time. Rinku’s batting last night astonished us.
Rinku made a name for himself as a great finisher in the 2023 IPL season. He scored 474 runs for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Even if he had a bad stretch after that, his T20I career figures are still good: 546 runs in 24 innings, an average of 42.00, and a strike rate of 161.06. His best game for India was in January 2024, when he scored 69 runs without getting out against Afghanistan. He and Rohit Sharma made a record for the biggest fifth-wicket partnership in T20I history with a 190-run stand.