Rinku Singh Surpasses Dravid and Jaiswal in India’s All-Time First-Class Batting Averages

Rinku Singh has achieved a remarkable milestone in Indian domestic cricket by surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid and emerging talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal in the all-time list of highest first-class batting averages. His stellar performance in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season opener has catapulted him into the elite league of Indian cricketers.

Rinku Singh’s Career-Best Knock: A Game-Changer

In the opening match of the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season, Rinku Singh delivered an exceptional unbeaten knock of 165 runs for Uttar Pradesh against Andhra Pradesh at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Coming in at a critical juncture with his team at 220/6, Singh’s 507-minute innings, comprising 13 fours and 2 sixes off 273 balls, not only rescued his team but also secured a crucial first-innings lead. This innings was pivotal in UP’s response to Andhra’s formidable total of 470.

Breaking Records: Surpassing Dravid and Jaiswal

Singh’s monumental innings propelled his first-class batting average from 54.68 to 57.39, placing him tenth on the all-time list among Indian cricketers with a minimum of 50 innings. This achievement sees him surpass stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and current Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Rinku Singh’s Rise in Indian Domestic Cricket

Early Years and Domestic Debut

Rinku Singh began his cricketing journey representing Uttar Pradesh at various age levels, including under-16, under-19, and under-23. He made his List A debut in March 2014 and his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. Over the years, he has been a consistent performer, notably finishing as the leading run-scorer for Uttar Pradesh in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy with 953 runs in ten matches.

IPL Journey and National Recognition

Singh’s prowess in domestic cricket caught the attention of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. He was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022 and has since delivered match-winning performances, including a memorable feat of hitting five sixes in the final over to chase down 29 runs against Gujarat Titans in 2023. His consistent performances in the IPL have paved the way for his inclusion in the Indian national team, where he has showcased his finishing abilities in T20 Internationals.

What This Means for Rinku Singh’s Future

Surpassing legends like Dravid and Jaiswal in first-class batting averages is a testament to Rinku Singh’s exceptional skill and consistency. This achievement not only enhances his reputation in domestic cricket but also positions him as a strong contender for future opportunities in the Indian national team across all formats.

Conclusion

Rinku Singh’s remarkable rise in Indian cricket, highlighted by his recent record-breaking performance, underscores his potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricketing landscape. As he continues to build on his achievements, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport.

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