Asia Cup 2025: Rinku Singh Wants To Have "Big Conversation" With Gautam Gambhir

Rinku Singh has been working closely with India’s former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar to fine-tune his game ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE. The left-handed batter has also added a couple of new shots to his arsenal, aiming to stay ahead in the T20 format.

“I’ve been training in Mumbai and practising at the KKR Academy under Abhishek Nayar sir. He has helped me a lot and asked me to now take my game to another level. T20 cricket is so demanding. Once you’ve played the IPL for a long time, bowlers start to understand your batting. That’s why you need to keep adding new elements to your game,” Rinku told TOI.

“You need to put runs on the board because the opposition also comes with the mindset of scoring heavily. I keep learning new things, like which shots I can add to my batting. After so many years in the IPL, bowlers know what weaknesses a batsman has, so I practice specifically on improving those areas. Practice has been really good. Yes, I’ve added a few more shots to my game. I’ve worked a lot on the sweep and reverse sweep.”

Rinku has struggled for consistency over the past year. Although hailed as India’s designated T20I finisher, his numbers haven’t reflected that reputation. In his last 13 T20Is, he managed 130 runs at 16.25 with a strike rate of 126.2, while his IPL form has also dipped, averaging just 23.38 across the last two seasons.

However, the 27-year-old has regained form in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh (UP) T20 League 2025, scoring 332 runs in eight innings at an average of 66.4 and a strike rate of almost 180, including 23 fours and 22 sixes. He also hit a scintillating 108* off 48 balls in one of the games.

“The batting is going really well. It’s helping both the team and my confidence. I’m getting chances to bat in situations where I can take the team to victory. The position I’m batting at is one I really like, so it feels good to play there. I’m happy to have found rhythm and flow ahead of the Asia Cup. The ball is coming nicely onto the bat, and I’m really enjoying it,” he said.

Rinku also spoke about his relationship with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav: “GG sir (Gautam Gambhir) has always backed me and supported me a lot. When I first met him at KKR, he gave me so much confidence. I had a brief session with him where he spoke to me about pull shots.

"He always backs his players, and that feels really good. He’ll come, talk to you, and inject confidence. He’s a man with a lot of knowledge. I’ve enjoyed working with him, whether it’s batting, talking, or training. It’s always fun to share things with him. I’m really eager to play under his coaching again. It’s a special feeling to share the dressing room with a legend like GG sir.

"Once I go to Dubai, I’ll have a big conversation with him (laughs). Till now, we haven’t spoken about anything. I’m just very excited to meet him and learn from him. His support in my career has been immense.

"Surya bhai is a fantastic captain. In all the games I’ve played for India, he has supported me a lot. He always tells me to play the same way I’ve been playing in the IPL. He takes the pressure off and gives me confidence. He reminds me that playing for India is a big achievement, and that I must have done something special to get here.

"For him, it’s all about mindset. He makes players feel comfortable so that no one feels out of place or under pressure. That’s what makes him so special - he’s truly a players’ captain.”

Rinku, who can also bowl a bit of offspin, expressed his desire to contribute with the ball as well: “Nowadays, every player is expected to contribute with both bat and ball. What else you can offer the team apart from your main skill is very important. If you are a batter and the captain gives you the ball and you manage to take a couple of wickets, there’s nothing better than that. It helps you and the team as well.

"If needed, I can bowl and pick up wickets too. Even selectors look at whether a player can contribute in both departments, so it definitely adds value. There’s no harm in it - it’s always for the team’s good. As a batter, if the captain hands me the ball in a particular situation and I take wickets, it’s a big plus for the team.”

Despite his fine form in the UP T20 League 2025, Rinku’s spot in India’s Playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 isn’t guaranteed. If Shubman Gill is preferred over wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, India will be forced to field Jitesh Sharma as a finisher instead. Hardik Pandya will also feature as a finisher, and the management might opt for Shivam Dube over Rinku to gain an additional bowling option.