Rinku Singh's Gritty Knock Keeps Uttar Pradesh Afloat
In a compelling display of skill and temperament, Indian cricketer Rinku Singh played a magnificent innings of 98 not out for Uttar Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy encounter against Tamil Nadu. The left-handed batsman's stellar performance, achieved under the watchful eyes of national selector Pragyan Ojha at the Coimbatore venue on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, has sent a powerful reminder of his capabilities in the longer format of the game.
Match Context and Rinku's Crucial Role
With the Indian Test team management possibly considering options, Rinku Singh's name, surprisingly, has not been a major part of the discussion for a call-up. However, his latest innings has certainly bolstered his case. Responding to Tamil Nadu's first-innings total of 455, Uttar Pradesh found themselves in a precarious position at 191 for 5. It was from this juncture that Rinku took charge, forming a vital partnership to steer his team to 339 for 6 before bad light forced an early stumps on day three.
The match is now poised delicately, hinging on which team will secure the crucial first-innings lead. The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, making free-scoring difficult and demanding a patient, grinding approach from the batsmen.
Mastering the Conditions and the Bowling Attack
Rinku Singh, primarily known for his explosive finishing in T20 cricket for India, demonstrated a different facet of his game. He showcased his ability to adapt, a quality honed by his substantial experience of 51 first-class matches, where he boasts an impressive average of 57.39.
Facing a disciplined Tamil Nadu bowling unit, Rinku was rarely troubled. He expertly negated the seamers who bowled a tight line and then took on the spinners. He used his feet brilliantly against left-arm spinners R Sai Kishore and the day's most successful bowler, P Vidyuth (3/48), lofting them for three clean sixes. A notable feature of his innings was his off-side play, with all 9 of his boundaries, including some exquisite drives, coming on that side of the wicket.
He was well-supported by Shivam Mavi, who played an aggressive counter-attacking innings of 54 off 62 balls before falling to the second new ball. Their partnership was crucial in rebuilding the UP innings after the top order, including Abhishek Goswami (79), had been dismissed.
A Statement Innings and What Lies Ahead
Rinku's knock was a testament to his growing maturity as a multi-format player. While he has 22 fifties and 8 centuries in first-class cricket, his role often batting at No. 5 requires such rescue acts. Unfortunately, he was stranded two runs short of a well-deserved century as bad light stopped play, but his unbeaten 98 has put Uttar Pradesh in a strong position to challenge for the first-innings lead.
This innings, performed in front of a national selector, underscores that Rinku Singh is not just a T20 specialist but a versatile batsman ready for greater challenges in the cricketing arena.
Brief scores: Tamil Nadu 455 vs Uttar Pradesh 339/6 (Rinku Singh 98 n.o, Abhishek Goswami 79, Shivam Mavi 54; P Vidyuth 3/48).
