Rinku Singh, the dynamic batter for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the India National Cricket Team, has been named the captain of Team Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, which kicks off on December 21. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Rinku’s career as he steps into a leadership role at the senior state level for the first time. Rinku takes over the reins from veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who captained Uttar Pradesh in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
While Rinku Singh lacks extensive captaincy experience, his successful stint as the skipper of the Meerut Mavericks in the UPT20 League has given him confidence. Reflecting on this opportunity, Rinku said, “It was a big opportunity for me to lead Meerut Mavericks in the UPT20 League, and I am happy that I could deliver. I really enjoyed captaincy as it allowed me to learn many things.”
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Rinku is also focused on improving his versatility as a cricketer, particularly by honing his offspin bowling. “Present-day cricket demands a full package – a cricketer who can bat, bowl, and field. Now I am focusing on my bowling too. As captain of Uttar Pradesh, I have got a bigger role to play, and I’m ready for this,” he added.
A strong performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy could serve as a springboard for greater responsibilities, potentially even the captaincy of KKR. With the franchise releasing Shreyas Iyer after winning the IPL 2024 title under his leadership, KKR is exploring new options. The team heavily invested in Venkatesh Iyer, securing him for INR 23.75 crore, leading to speculation about his potential captaincy. However, reports also suggest Ajinkya Rahane as a strong contender for the role.
‘I am not overthinking about the captaincy of KKR,’ says Rinku Singh after being made Uttar Pradesh captain for Vijay Hazare Trophy https://t.co/7AIz7HO7Ay
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) December 20, 2024
When asked about the possibility of leading KKR in the IPL, Rinku SIngh dismissed the speculation, emphasizing his focus on Uttar Pradesh. “I am not thinking too much about the captaincy of KKR in the new IPL season. I am focused on my plans for Uttar Pradesh, as I want my team to regain the trophy we had won for the first time in 2015-16,” he stated.
Although Rinku has cemented his place in India’s T20I squad, his inclusion in the ODI setup remains uncertain. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, selectors will be closely monitoring performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making this a crucial tournament for Rinku’s aspirations.
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Despite the pressure, Rinku Singh remains grounded and attributes his journey to divine intervention. Reflecting on his meteoric rise, he said, “I believe in God. I didn’t even think of being part of Team India when I struck five consecutive sixes in the IPL last year. That turned out to be the biggest game-changer in my life. Even now, I feel that if God has decided something for me, I will get that surely. But at the same time, I also need to work hard on my job.”
As Rinku Singh steps into this new leadership role, fans and selectors alike will be keenly watching how the star batter navigates the challenges of captaincy while continuing to prove his mettle as a versatile and reliable cricketer.
