Rinku Singh’s brilliant 165 rescued Uttar Pradesh from a difficult position and guided them to a first-innings lead against Andhra in their Ranji Trophy 2025/26 opener at Green Park, Kanpur. The match eventually ended in a draw, but Rinku’s innings stood out for its discipline and character.
Coming in at number five with his team in trouble, Rinku steadied the innings with remarkable patience. Uttar Pradesh had been reduced to 178 for five after losing four wickets for just 34 runs in reply to Andhra’s imposing first-innings total of 470. From there, the left-hander led the recovery with a knock that combined resilience with responsibility. Rinku, who faced 273 deliveries, absorbed pressure from Andhra’s bowlers and ensured that UP remained in the contest. His approach reflected his growing maturity as a red-ball batter and a steady progression from his reputation as a T20 finisher. Partnering with Vipraj Nigam, who made 42, Rinku was part of a crucial 122-run stand for the seventh wicket that pulled UP out of trouble. The partnership not only steadied the innings but also helped the side surpass 450 and take the first-innings lead before the match concluded in a draw.
Poll
Is Rinku Singh emerging as one of India’s top red-ball batters?
Moreover, the batter went past Rahul Dravid, Saba Karim and current Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s all-time highest first-class averages, with a minimum of 50 innings with his display in the opening round of the Ranji Trophy.Rinku’s century also took him past 3,500 first-class runs, maintaining an impressive average of over 57.39. He now has eight centuries and 22 fifties in the format.
