Confident of proving my mettle in Asia Cup: Rinku Singh | Lucknow News
Fazal Khan Lucknow: After middle-order batter Rinku Singh on Tuesday managed to hold on to his place in the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, he said that his preparation is going well and he is determined to prove his mettle in the tournament.Talking to TOI while attending a practice session at sports galaxy ground, Rinku said, “This is the first time that I’ve got the opportunity to play in a multi-national tournament. Last year, I missed out on the T20 World Cup. If I am given the chance to play in the eleven, I will give my best.”“My preparation is going well. Recently, I played a lot of practice matches ahead of the UPT20 League for my franchise, Meerut Mavericks, in Noida. I scored two fifties there which has infused a lot of confidence in me,” he said.Asked about his playing position, he said, “Let me make it clear that I am not a finisher. Indian Premier League-2023 was the best phase of my career, and in that season, I batted at number 5. I scored runs for the team, and when I played for India, I also played at number 5 and scored three fifties for Team India. I have no inhibitions about batting on any position.”Speaking about his experience with the ball, Rinku said, “Cricket has become fast-paced and selectors believe that if a player has both bowling and batting skills, it benefits the team. All-rounders are given preference in the team. I bowl quite a bit in the domestic circuit and have taken many wickets. I have also taken wickets internationally. I have been bowling for a while, though not as much, but now, I am prepared for it.“Of the 33 T20I matches Rinku has played for Team India, he did not get to bat in nine matches, and remained not out on as many as nine occasions. He has three half centuries to his credit, having made 546 runs at an average of 46 per innings at a strike rate of 161. Speaking about India’s prospects in the Asia Cup, he said: “We are confident that we will win the tournament. Winning Asia Cup will be as good for me as for anyone else.” On the ongoing UPT20 league, he said, “I thank ‘Rajeev (Shukla) sir’ and UPCA for successfully conducting the tournament for the third consecutive year. The tournament gives 10-12 prospective cricketers for IPL every year. Those who perform well in UPT20 League have better chances to be roped in by IPL franchises.”
