Uttar Pradesh star batter Rinku Singh produced a masterclass performance in the opening game of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season against Andhra at Kanpur. Stepping in after UP's wobbly start, Rinku stabilized the innings and guided the team with an outstanding century.

Following Andhra's huge 470 in their first innings, Uttar Pradesh struggled early. With captain Karan Sharma's dismissal, UP was at 146/3. Rinku Singh came in the field with the determined intention of reclaiming the innings, sharing a vital 48-run partnership with Aaradhya Yadav before the latter was caught for 17.

The innings was boosted to a great extent when IPL sensation Vipraj Nigam came in to join Rinku. Both of them contributed a 294-run sixth wicket stand by the end of Day 3. UP was still 176 runs behind Andhra at that time, with Rinku on 82* and Vipraj on 28*.

On the third day, Rinku raised the bar with his performance and scored his eighth first-class century, scoring 100 off 180 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. Shivam Sharma was playing alongside him as UP came to 359/7, still 111 runs short of Andhra but looking for a vital first-innings lead.

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Rinku Singh's recent signature form precedes his first-ever official tour of Australia with Team India. While he has played five T20 games against Australia, he hasn't yet turned out in any international fixtures on Australian soil yet. In his T20s against Australia, Rinku has made 105 runs in four innings at an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 175.

This Ranji Trophy performance is crucial preparation for Rinku, who will taste Australian conditions in a longer format for the first time. Fans and selectors are bound to be keenly observing his form as he prepares to face international challenges.

Rinku Singh's century not only rescued UP's innings but also established him as India's young gun batsman yet again. His performance under pressure is a pointer to a rosy future, particularly before the tour to Australia.