'Was worried about selection, other people had done well in IPL': Rinku Singh on making the cut for Asia Cup

Rinku Singh on making the cut for Asia Cup (AP Photo)

Rinku Singh is regarded an explosive custodian when it comes to T20 cricket. He has already made a name for himself in the IPL roster and on Thursday he silenced his critics with a firing unbeaten 108 off 48 balls, featuring seven 4s and eight 6s. Rinku had a big task at hand as his team in the ongoing UPT20 league were reduced to 38/4 in the eighth over while chasing 168. However, the captain of Meerut Mavericks put a show for the ages and helped his side wrap the contest with seven balls to spare.

Speaking to media, post that knock Rinku was asked about his selection in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, which has been questioned. Rinku himself admitted that he wasn't sure about making the cut in the 15-member squad led by Suryakumar Yadav but asserted to prove the selectors right for showing faith in him.

“Yes, I wasn’t sure about my selection as many things were going on in my mind before the selection. I was a little worried about my chances. Other people had also done well in the IPL. So, I was a little worried. I wasn’t sure if I would get a name or not, but the selectors gave me confidence and now I have to rely on that confidence, he was quoted as saying in a report by Hindustan Times.

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Rinku amassed 206 runs from 11 innings at a strike-rate of 153.73 in IPL 2025, during which he failed to notch a single half-century. However, considering his batting position, as he mostly bats lower down the order, the numbers reflect that Rinku did do a decent job.

Rinku also recalled failing to make the cut for the T20 World Cup held last year, which India won after defeating South Africa in the final. Rinku did travel with the team then but he was part of the reserves. “Yes, I missed the T20 World Cup last year and I wanted a chance to stage a comeback in the side. This time, the selectors gave me a chance and I will try my best to live up to the expectations,” he added.