When Rinku Singh, the left‑handed middle‑order batter for Kolkata Knight Riders, heard his name on the Asia Cup squad list, he admitted he almost didn’t believe it.
The 27‑year‑old’s confession came on the sidelines of the UPT20 league, where he had just smashed an unbeaten century. "I didn’t expect to be picked after a rough IPL 2025," he told RevSportz. "I thought the selectors might leave me out, but Ajit Agarkar and the committee showed faith, and that lifted my confidence."
Background and Form Struggles
Rinku’s rise has been anything but smooth. After debuting for India in 2022, he carved out a respectable T20I record – 550 runs in 34 matches at an average of 42.30 and a strike‑rate of 161.76. Yet the last two IPL seasons saw his numbers slip: 2024 yielded 210 runs at an average of 18.75, while 2025 was even leaner, with just 145 runs from ten innings.
Those stats fed doubts in the media and even within the dressing room. The left‑hander’s knee injury in 2021 forced a seven‑month lay‑off, including three‑and‑a‑half months of intensive rehab in Mumbai. KKR’s medical team, however, stuck by him, financing surgery and physiotherapy that eventually helped him return to form in the 2022 domestic circuit.
Selection Surprise and Trust
On August 28, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15‑member squad for the Asia Cup 2025Hyderabad, India. The panel, chaired by former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, opted for continuity, retaining Rinku despite his recent dip.
"We looked beyond the IPL numbers," Agarkar explained in a post‑selection press conference. "Rinku’s work ethic, his ability to bowl a few overs, and his mental resilience fit the multi‑dimensional profile we need in a tournament where conditions change fast."
Domestic Resurgence in the UPT20 League
Just days after the squad reveal, Rinku lit up the UPT20 League. Facing a packed crowd in Lucknow, he scored an unbeaten 106 off 58 balls, peppering the boundary with his trademark pull shot. The innings also featured three maiden overs of off‑spin that clipped a crucial wicket, reinforcing his claim as a utility player.
Cricket analyst Vikram Patel noted, "His century wasn’t just a numbers game; it showed he can handle pressure and contribute with the ball. That dual skill set is gold in a short tournament.”
Asia Cup Final Impact
The tournament kicked off on September 9, 2025, with eight Asian nations battling across three venues. India breezed through the group stage, but the final against arch‑rival Pakistan turned into a nail‑biting finish. With India needing two runs off the last ball, Rinku, still nervous from his earlier doubts, swung his bat and sent the ball racing to the boundary for a four.
“It was all about contributing in the moments I got,” he said in the post‑match interview. “Everyone calls me a finisher, and today I lived up to that label. The team won, and it feels amazing.” The win marked India’s ninth Asia Cup title – the most by any nation – cementing the squad’s success and validating the selectors’ gamble on Rinku.
Future Outlook and What’s Next
With the Asia Cup trophy secured, the next big hurdle is the ICC T20 World Cup slated for early 2026. Rinku’s next challenge will be cementing a regular spot in the playing XI. Coach Ravi Shastri hinted that his all‑round capabilities could earn him a spot as a lower‑order bat‑bowler.
Back home, his fiancée Priya Saroj was seen beaming on a video call as the final whistle blew, later sharing the moment on Instagram with the caption, “Dreams do come true.”
- Key Fact: Rinku’s strike‑rate in T20Is tops 160, ranking him among India’s most aggressive batters.
- He has bowled 40 overs in domestic T20s, taking 12 wickets at an economy of 7.4.
- Kolkata Knight Riders have retained him through three contract renewals, citing his “unwavering commitment.”
- Asia Cup 2025 featured 8 teams, 15 matches, and was hosted across three Indian cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Rinku Singh’s selection impact the team’s balance?
Selectors valued his left‑handed batting depth and occasional off‑spin, giving India a flexible middle‑order option. His presence allowed the team to play an extra specialist bowler without compromising batting firepower.
What were the main reasons Ajit Agarkar backed Rinku?
Agarkar cited Rinku’s work ethic, his recovery from a serious knee injury, and his recent century in the UPT20 league as evidence that he’s back in form and can contribute with both bat and ball.
How did the Asia Cup final unfold for India?
India needed two runs off the final delivery. Rinku struck a boundary, sealing a four‑run win over Pakistan and delivering India’s ninth Asia Cup title.
What does this victory mean for Rinku’s future in international cricket?
The win boosts his standing with the selectors, positioning him as a contender for the upcoming T20 World Cup squad, especially given his demonstrated ability to deliver under pressure.
How has Kolkata Knight Riders supported Rinku’s journey?
KKR stood by him through his 2021 knee injury, financing treatment and providing a platform to rebuild confidence. The franchise’s continued backing since 2018 has been pivotal to his resurgence.
