Rinku Singh rescues UP with a fighting century as he impresses in Ranji Trophy game ahead of IND vs AUS T20I series

Divy Dubey

Rinku Singh rescues UP with a fighting century as he impresses in Ranji Trophy game ahead of IND vs AUS T20I series image

With India's T20I series against Australia around the corner, Rinku Singh has delivered a timely reminder of his class in domestic cricket.

Playing for Uttar Pradesh in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, the left-hander scored a vital century against Andhra Pradesh in Kanpur - a knock that underlined his temperament and timing just days before India's T20I series against Australia.

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Rinku Singh's century helps Uttar Pradesh recover from early collapse

Uttar Pradesh were in deep trouble at 178/5 in response to Andhra Pradesh's massive first-innings total of 470. That's when Rinku stepped in and steadied the innings with a composed, disciplined knock.

Batting at No. 5, he soaked up pressure and reached his hundred off 180 balls, mixing caution with well-judged aggression. He also shared a crucial 122-run partnership with Vipraj Nigam (42).

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UP crossed the 330-run mark and kept hopes alive for a first-innings lead. His innings came at a time when wickets had fallen in clusters.

This was Rinku's eighth First-Class century. He now has over 3,400 runs in 51 matches at an impressive average above 54.

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Why this Ranji hundred matters for Rinku Singh

This century is not just about domestic numbers - it's about timing. Rinku didn't get many opportunities during the Asia Cup, and this performance shows he is staying match-ready.

His ability to handle red-ball conditions and build partnerships reflects the maturity that could benefit India in any format. It also reinforces his growing reputation as a player who thrives under pressure - whether in the IPL, domestic cricket, or while finishing games in international T20Is.

Focus shifts to Rinku's Australia challenge

Rinku will soon travel with Team India for the five-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled from October 29 to November 8. While he has not featured in the ODI squad, he remains a key member of the T20 setup.

The Australia tour will be Rinku's first official international tour Down Under - a chance to prove his adaptability in unfamiliar conditions. His Ranji performance couldn't have come at a better time, serving as both confidence and preparation ahead of that challenge.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.