108 not-out off 48: Rinku Singh's explosive response to critics questioning spot in Asia Cup squad

Rinku Singh is known for his explosive batting and he did the same in the ongoing UPT20 League on Thursday. The left-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 48-ball 108 to drive Meerut Mavericks home while chasing 168. His efforts helped Meerut beat Gorakhpur Lions by six wickets and wrapped the contest with seven balls to spare. Rinku's knock came at a strike-rate of 225, featuring seven 4s and eight 6s.

Rinku's efforts also showcased why he can be trusted to finish a game even when the team finds itself in a tricky position. By the time, Rinku walked out to bat, Meerut were reduced to 31/3 with two balls remaining in the powerplay. Soon the team lost their fourth wicket, which reduced them to 38/4 at the end of the eighth over.

Rinku, however, didn't allow any pressure to hinder his intent and led his side from the front while Sahab Yuvraj Singh, his partner at the other end, played a perfect single. In his run-a-ball 22, Sahab struck one boundary as Rinku marshalled his side to a clinical run chase by doing the bulk of hitting.

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The innings comes at a perfect time for Rinku, whose spot has been questioned in India's 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth reflecting his thoughts on the squad had remarked: “Are you going to take this team to the World Cup? Is this the preparation for the T20 World Cup, which is hardly six months away? They have gone backwards. Axar Patel has been axed from vice-captaincy. I don’t know how Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Harshit Rana have come in. IPL is considered the main criteria for selection, but the selectors seem to have considered performances before that."