Rinku Singh has finally earned his moment under the sun. The 27-year-old left-hander, widely celebrated for his explosive finishing ability in T20 cricket, has been included in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The BCCI announced the squad on Tuesday, August 19, handing the Meerut cricketer a golden ticket to showcase his skills on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
But just hours after the announcement, Rinku’s bat once again fell silent in a domestic outing, raising uncomfortable questions about his form heading into the tournament.
Runs Missing in UP T20 League
Turning out for the Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League 2025, Rinku Singh managed only 23 runs from 19 balls against the Lucknow Falcons. His innings included just three boundaries before he was dismissed by Parv Singh in the 15th over.
Despite Rinku’s subdued knock, the Mavericks reached 150-8 in their 20 overs, but the lack of fireworks from their skipper stood out. The performance was in stark contrast to the celebratory mood that surrounded his Asia Cup 2025 call-up earlier in the day.
Recent Struggles With the Bat
Rinku’s dip in form is not a one-off. His IPL 2025 campaign with Kolkata Knight Riders was far from inspiring, yielding only 206 runs from 11 innings. His struggles extended to the international stage earlier this year during India’s T20I series against England, where he scored just 39 runs across two innings at a modest average of 19.50.
For a player who built his reputation as India’s go-to finisher in T20 cricket, these numbers don’t paint a reassuring picture.
Asia Cup: Last Chance to Prove His Worth?
The Asia Cup 2025 could serve as a make-or-break stage for Rinku Singh. With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, a strong showing in the Asia Cup will be vital if he wants to retain his spot in India’s crowded batting line-up.
Rinku has time and again shown glimpses of his explosive potential in the IPL and domestic cricket. But international cricket is an unforgiving stage, where consistency often decides careers. With competition for places intensifying, he cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.
What Lies Ahead
India’s selectors have shown faith in Rinku Singh, banking on his ability to turn matches with his fearless hitting. But faith must now be matched with performance. If Rinku can rediscover his rhythm in the Asia Cup, he may well script a redemption story that redefines his career. If not, this could be the beginning of a slide that sees him lose ground to younger challengers.
For now, all eyes will be on him when India begins their Asia Cup 2025 campaign – not just as another player in the squad, but as a man with something to prove.
