Rinku Singh opens up on Asia Cup selection: Did not think I would make it

India batter Rinku Singh did not expect to get selected in the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Speaking to RevSportz on the sidelines of the UP T20 League, Rinku said that he was not sure of his selection due to his recent form slump in international and domestic cricket.

After being named in the Indian squad, Rinku scored his maiden T20 hundred. The batter found his form at the crucial time, helping his team – Meerut Mavericks – chase down a target of 168 runs. Rinku's knock came at a time when Meerut were reeling under pressure, having lost four back-to-back wickets inside the first 8 overs of the game.

"I got motivated after I saw my name on the Asia Cup list. I did not do well last year, and I felt that it was possible that I would get left out. But the selectors showed trust in me and selected me and that gave me a confidence boost. The innings that I played in the UP T20 League has boosted my confidence and I would take it there," Rinku Singh said.

The specialist finisher stated that the fact that he could bowl 1 or 2 overs in a match might have helped in his selection. Rinku revealed that the selection committee is currently showing preference to players who are multi-skilled in nature.

"Bowling is very important today. The selectors want you to have multiple roles in the team. If you cannot affect the game by bat, do it with the ball," Rinku said.

Rinku also spoke about his role in the Indian team and the Kolkata Knight Riders. He hinted that being well regarded for his abilities in the final four overs of the match has perhaps typecast him. Rinku stated that he had the ability to bat much higher up the order but was willing to execute any role that was given to him.

"I batted at No. 5 in 2023. I do not feel good when I bat at No. 7 and No. 8. But it is the team's need, so you have to perform in that role. I have played 33 T20I matches for the Indian team and I have scored 3 fifties. I can bat everywhere, not just in the finisher's role," Rinku said in the interview.

In the recent match in the UP T20 League, Rinku smashed a terrific 108* off just 48 balls. The left-hander hit 7 boundaries and 8 sixes in his innings. Out of the 8 sixes, 5 came off his last six balls, where he took apart Abdul Rehman and Vasu Vats in the 18th and 19th overs, respectively.

This was Rinku Singh's maiden T20 hundred of his career, and it perhaps came at the right time. The batter was at risk of being sidelined from the Indian playing XI for the Asia Cup after a string of poor performances in the recent past.