'Did not think I would make it' - Star Indian batter opens up on Asia Cup selection

Published - 23 Aug 2025, 18:42 IST | Updated - 23 Aug 2025, 19:07 IST

Indian batter Rinku Singh recently broke his silence on his surprise inclusion in the Asia Cup 2025 squad. After having a poor IPL season and an inconsistent run with the national team, Rinku revealed that he feared missing out. However, a return to form in the UP T20 League, along with his ability to contribute with the ball, helped the selectors put their faith in him.

Rinku's place in the squad raised many questions because of his underwhelming run over the past year. For Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, the southpaw managed only 206 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 153.73, without registering a single half-century. At the international level, his numbers were also not up to the mark. From January 2024 to February 2025, he scored 284 runs in 21 T20Is at an average of 31.55. The 26-year-old admitted that he was afraid of being left out this time.

"I got motivated after I saw my name on the Asia Cup list. I didn't do well last year, and I felt that it was possible I would be left out. I was afraid. 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 have boosted my confidence, and I will take that confidence there," Rinku told on RevSportz.

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He also spoke about his batting role, making it clear that he does not want to be restricted to just a finisher tag. The southpaw also stressed the fact that bowling is very important, and selectors look for those players who can perform multiple roles.

"I batted at No. 5 in 2023. I don't 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. Bowling is very important today. The selectors want you to have multiple roles in the team. If you cannot affect the game with the bat, do it with the ball," he added.