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Since making his international debut against Ireland in August 2023, Rinku has played 2 ODIs and 33 T20I matches for Team India.
Rinku Singh wants to play Test cricket for India. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Rinku Singh is part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. The left-handed batter from Aligarh will travel to Dubai this week to take part in the premier continental event, which is set to start on September 9 and feature eight teams. The 27-year-old cricketer, who has played 2 ODIs and 33 T20Is for Team India so far, has made a case for selection in the playing XI by playing some big knocks for Meerut Mavericks in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Premier League.
Rinku, who has made a big name for himself in the shortest format of the game, ahead of the start of the Asia Cup 2025, said that he doesn’t like being tagged as a T20I specialist. According to him, his stats in red-ball cricket are also very good, and his dream is to become an all-format player for India.
“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,” Rinku was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
“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,” he added.
For Rinku, former India and Uttar Pradesh batter Suresh Raina is his idol, and he wants to be the same kind of player as him.
“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 didn’t get a chance to be part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, but he is aware that if he performs well in the 2025 Asia Cup, then he will boost his chances for selection in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. The 2026 edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka in the first quarter of next calendar year.
“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 said.
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