‘Never thought I’d be picked’ – Star Indian batter on Asia Cup selection

Rinku Singh, an Indian batter, recently spoke out about his unexpected selection for the Asia Cup 2025 team. Rinku admitted that he worried missing out after a dismal IPL season and a patchy tenure with the national squad. But his ability to contribute with the ball and his recent surge in form in the UP T20 League encouraged the selectors to believe in him.

Rinku Singh lacklustre performance over the previous year prompted numerous doubts about his spot in the squad. The southpaw scored just 206 runs at a strike rate of 153.73 in 13 games for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 Indian Premier League, failing to record a half-century. Additionally, his numbers fell short of expectations at the international level. He amassed 284 runs at an average of 31.55 in 21 Twenty20 Internationals between January 2024 and February 2025. This time, the 26-year-old acknowledged, he was scared of being left out.

“Seeing my name on the Asia Cup roster inspired me.

Since I didn’t perform well the previous year, I thought I would be excluded. I was terrified. However, I felt more confident after the selectors chose me since they trusted me. My confidence has increased as a result of my innings in the UP T20 League, and I’ll carry that confidence with me there,” Rinku stated on RevSportz.

You must fulfil that role: Rinku Singh

He also discussed his batting responsibilities, emphasising that he does not wish to be limited to a finisher tag alone. Additionally, the southpaw emphasised how crucial bowling is and how selectors seek out players who can play a variety of roles.

“In 2023, I batted at number five. When I bat at No. 7 and No. 8, I don’t feel well. However, you must fulfil that job since it is necessary for the team. I have hit three fifties in my 33 T20I appearances for the Indian squad. I’m not limited to the finisher position; I can bat anywhere. These days, bowling is highly essential. You should play a variety of roles on the team, according to the selectors. “Use the ball to influence the game if you can’t use the bat,” he continued.