Rinku Singh : Rinku Singh, the explosive left handed batter and Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) finisher, has been named captain of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. This marks Rinku’s first stint as skipper at the senior state level, a role that comes with high expectations and immense responsibility..
Rinku Singh Named Captain of Uttar Pradesh: A New Chapter for the Rising Star
A New Role for Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh takes over the captaincy from veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who led Uttar Pradesh in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku’s appointment is a significant milestone in his cricketing journey, as he steps into a leadership role for the team.
This is not his first taste of captaincy—earlier this year, Rinku captained the Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League, leading them to victory. He scored 210 runs in nine innings at a blistering strike rate of 161.54 during the tournament, showcasing his prowess as both a leader and a finisher.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Rinku said, “As captain of Uttar Pradesh, I have got a bigger role to play, and I’m ready for this. My focus is on helping the team win the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which we last won in 2015-16.”
Strong Credentials in List A Cricket
Rinku Singh’s appointment as captain is backed by impressive performances in domestic cricket. He has scored 1,899 runs in 52 List-A innings, averaging a solid 48.69. His record includes one century and 17 half-centuries, cementing his reputation as a consistent performer in the 50-over format.
With the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon in February 2025, national selectors will closely watch Rinku’s performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While he has become a regular in India’s T20I setup, this tournament presents an opportunity for him to solidify his ODI credentials.
Rinku Singh and the KKR Connection
Rinku’s leadership journey with Uttar Pradesh could also have implications for the IPL. He was recently retained by KKR ahead of the 2025 season, and the franchise is yet to announce its captain after releasing Shreyas Iyer.
While Rinku remains focused on his domestic commitments, his performance as Uttar Pradesh captain might serve as a perfect audition for the KKR captaincy. When asked about the possibility, Rinku said, “I am not thinking too much about the captaincy of KKR. My focus is on Uttar Pradesh and the plans we have for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Campaign
Uttar Pradesh begins their Vijay Hazare Trophy journey on December 21, 2024, against Jammu and Kashmir in Vizianagaram. The team is eager to replicate the success of their 2015-16 campaign when they won the trophy for the first time.
As the new captain, Rinku Singh aims to guide Uttar Pradesh to another title and make a strong case for himself as a leader on the domestic and international stage.
Why Rinku Singh’s Captaincy Matters
Rinku Singh’s rise from a dynamic finisher to a leader marks an inspiring chapter in Indian cricket. His captaincy offers:
- National Team Aspirations: With selectors watching closely, Rinku has a golden chance to secure his spot in India’s ODI squad for the Champions Trophy.
- A Learning Experience: Leading a state team will test his tactical acumen and ability to inspire teammates.
- IPL Leadership Prospects: Strong performances here could make him a frontrunner for KKR captaincy.
Rinku Singh’s journey from a dependable batter to a state-level captain highlights his growth as a cricketer and leader. As Uttar Pradesh embarks on their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, all eyes will be on their new captain to see if he can deliver both runs and results.
For fans and selectors alike, Rinku’s performance could redefine his career trajectory, both domestically and internationally.
FAQs
Who is the new captain of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team?
Rinku Singh has been named the new captain of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Who did Rinku Singh replace as captain of Uttar Pradesh?
Rinku Singh replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who led the team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
