Cricket fans witnessed a truly special performance as Rinku Singh delivered a magnificent unbeaten 165 for Uttar Pradesh, rescuing his team and securing a crucial first-innings lead against Andhra in their Ranji Trophy 2025/26 opener at Green Park, Kanpur. While the match ultimately ended in a draw, Singh’s disciplined and resolute innings was the highlight, showcasing a new dimension to his batting.
Entering the crease with Uttar Pradesh in dire straits at 178 for five, having lost four quick wickets for just 34 runs in response to Andhra’s formidable total of 470, Rinku Singh displayed remarkable composure. The left-hander, typically known for his explosive T20 finishing, anchored the innings with immense patience, facing 273 deliveries to absorb the pressure from Andhra’s bowlers and ensure his team stayed firmly in the contest.
His maturity as a red-ball batsman was evident in every shot and defensive stroke. He forged a vital 122-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Vipraj Nigam, who contributed a solid 42 runs. This crucial stand not only stabilized Uttar Pradesh’s innings but also propelled them past the 450-run mark, allowing them to claim the first-innings lead before the game concluded.
This stellar century was more than just a match-saving effort; it also elevated Rinku Singh into elite company. With this knock, he surpassed cricketing stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Saba Karim, and even current Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s all-time highest first-class averages, for players with a minimum of 50 innings. It’s a testament to his consistent performance and burgeoning talent in the longer format.
Rinku’s milestone innings pushed his first-class run tally past 3,500, maintaining an impressive average exceeding 57.39. His career now boasts eight centuries and 22 half-centuries in first-class cricket, underscoring his growing impact and versatility as a modern Indian cricketer.