Rinku Singh Eyes Test and ODI Opportunities After Missing Out in T20Is

Rinku Singh has made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond T20 cricket, with the India batter targeting opportunities in both Test and ODI cricket. The left-hander recently found himself outside India's T20I plans but remains focused on establishing himself as a multi-format player.

Rinku's comments come at a stage of his career when he is attempting to broaden his reputation beyond his established role as a destructive middle-order and finishing batter in the shortest format.

Rinku Wants to Play Test Cricket

Rinku has expressed his desire to represent India in Test cricket, indicating that playing the longest format remains an important personal goal.

The batter has experience in domestic red-ball cricket and believes that continued performances in first-class cricket can help him demonstrate that he has the skills required for the longer format.

While his international career has largely been associated with T20 cricket, Rinku's first-class experience gives him a pathway to demonstrate his ability to bat for long periods and build innings in different conditions.

T20I Exclusion Has Not Changed His Approach

Rinku was not included in India's recent T20I squad for the Afghanistan series. The omission came after he had been part of India's successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier in 2026.

Rather than focusing solely on his absence from the shortest format, Rinku has spoken about continuing his preparation and working towards opportunities in other formats.

His international record shows why he remains closely associated with T20 cricket. He has played 48 T20Is for India, scoring 702 runs at a strike rate of 156.35, while also contributing three wickets with his occasional bowling.

Limited ODI Opportunities So Far

Rinku has had considerably fewer opportunities in ODI cricket. He made his debut against South Africa in December 2023 and has played only two ODIs so far.

Across those matches, he has scored 55 runs, with a highest score of 38. His second ODI appearance also came during the same South Africa series.

With such a small sample at international level, Rinku's ODI ambitions will depend heavily on his performances when opportunities arise and the balance required in India's middle order.

Domestic Cricket Remains Important

Rinku's route towards a broader international role is closely linked to his domestic performances. First-class cricket provides him with an opportunity to develop his technique and demonstrate that his batting can translate into longer innings.

The challenge is different from T20 cricket, where Rinku has built his reputation through aggressive strokeplay and finishing ability. Red-ball cricket demands patience, concentration and the ability to adapt over several sessions.

A Different Role From His T20I Identity

Rinku has primarily been used as a finisher in India's T20I setup. His ability to attack at the death has made him a valuable option in the shortest format, but a Test or regular ODI role would require him to operate in different phases of an innings.

That transition is an important part of his development as he seeks to establish himself as a player capable of contributing across formats.

Rinku's International Numbers

Rinku's strongest international numbers have come in T20Is. He has 702 runs from 48 matches, including three half-centuries, with a best score of 69 and a strike rate above 156.

His ODI record is much smaller, with 55 runs from two matches. He is yet to make his Test debut.

Those figures underline the gap between Rinku's established T20I career and his ambitions in the longer formats. Regular domestic cricket will provide the most direct opportunity for him to build that part of his profile.

Looking Beyond One Format

Rinku's comments reflect an ambition to expand his role rather than remain identified exclusively as a T20 specialist. For now, his immediate task is to continue producing runs and strengthening his red-ball credentials.

If he can consistently perform in domestic cricket, opportunities in India's ODI and Test setups could follow depending on team requirements and selection decisions.

For Rinku, the message is clear: his international ambitions extend beyond the shortest format, and he wants his performances across domestic cricket to provide the foundation for those opportunities.