'Don’t like being tagged as one-format player' - Rinku Singh aspires to represent India in all formats

Indian batter Rinku Singh is often praised for his power-hitting exploits in the shortest format. Since making his international debut against Ireland in August 2023, the left-handed batter has featured in 33 T20Is and two ODIs. Also part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, the 27-year-old is looking to remove the T20 specialist tag and establish himself as an all-format player.

Despite his limited international exposure so far, the southpaw has been seen as a reliable finisher. His heroics in the Indian Premier League and recently in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League have played a huge role in doing so. However, Rinku is hoping to highlight that his ability is not restricted to white-ball cricket. With a first-class record of averaging over 55 in the Ranji Trophy, he believes he has the skillset to succeed in red-ball cricket too.

“I know fans love it when I hit sixes, and I’m really grateful for that. But my Ranji Trophy average is also very good — I average over 55 there. I really enjoy playing red-ball cricket. I’ve also played two ODIs for India and did well in one of them. So, it’s not like I’m only a T20 player. I believe I can perform in every format if I get the chance. I don’t like being tagged as a one-format player; I see myself as an all-format player. My dream is to play Test cricket for India, and if I get the opportunity, I’ll be ready to grab it," Rinku was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Suresh Raina Bhaiya is my idol: Rinku Singh

The Aligarh-born also credited former India cricketer Suresh Raina, and revealed that he aspires to be a similar king of player as his idol.

“Suresh Raina Bhaiya is my idol. He always tells me, ‘Rinku, be ready and prepared for everything.’ I’d be very happy to play Tests for India and contribute there too. Raina Bhaiya has played most of his matches at the position where I bat, and he has produced many match-winning knocks. I want to be the same kind of player for India across all formats," he added.

In the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, captaining the Meerut Mavericks against Kashi Rudras, Rinku played an unbeaten 78 off 48 balls, leading his team to a successful chase of 136 in just 15.4 overs. That innings followed his earlier century (108 off 48 balls) in the tournament, taking his tally to 295 runs at a strike rate of 170.52.

Although Rinku narrowly missed out on selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup, he remains optimistic about cutting the 2026 edition, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka. 

“Yes, my dream is to be part of the World Cup squad and to hold that trophy. I keep praying to God for that. If I perform well in the upcoming series, things will become clearer for the World Cup. That’s my ultimate aim—to do well for my country in the Asia Cup, and I’m confident I will deliver," Rinku concluded.