LUCKNOW, Nov. 20 -- With back-to-back centuries in consecutive Ranji Trophy matches this season, Rinku Singh has not only underlined his prowess over the red ball and reaffirmed his adaptability from the hustle of T20 cricket to the grind of multi-day cricket, but has also staked his claim as a genuine contender for a middle-order role in India's Test team. Both his centuries, against Andhra and Tamil Nadu, came in difficult situations. Despite his attacking style, Rinku showed temperament and maturity to help former champions Uttar Pradesh fight the odds. A left-handed middle-order batter from Aligarh, Rinku's career is defined by his agility to shuffle between T20Is, ODIs, first-class, and domestic T20 leagues. This ability of his is rare and highly valued in modern cricket. Despite earning recognition as a "finisher" in T20Is, he has also excelled in first-class cricket by anchoring innings and showing great temperament under pressure. Internationally, his role demands quick run accumulation in the lower middle order, while in the domestic circuit, he's equally adept at building partnerships and pacing innings in longer formats, as shown by his recent exploits in the two Ranji Trophy games. After excelling against Andhra in the season opener on the home turf at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur last month, where the Aligarh-lad scored an unbeaten 165 to help the side surpass the visitors' first innings total of 470, Rinku once again found himself in a tricky situation with the scoreboard reading 7/348 in the match with Tamil Nadu, whose first innings total had soared to 455, on the final day of the Elite Group A encounter on Wednesday. Showing no sign of hurry or being under pressure. Rinku smashed his career-best 176 in 247 balls with the help of 17 boundaries and six sixes, to guide Uttar Pradesh to secure a five-run first innings lead and three vital points. Besides playing a series of cut shots off against left-arm spinners B Sai Kishore and P Vidyut, Rinku kept the TN bowlers at bay, hitting blistering sixes too. Rinku, who came into the limelight after hitting five consecutive sixes in an IPL game for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023, has been one of the finest finishers of Team India, especially in the shortest format of the game. Since his T20I debut in 2023, Singh has played 33 matches, amassing 546 runs at a superb average of 42 and a strike rate of over 161, including three fifties. In his ODI outings, though limited-just 2 matches, he has scored 55 runs at an average of 27.5. Rinku's versatility is further highlighted by his capacity to bowl a few overs when required, adding another dimension to his value for the Indian team. So far, Rinku has had 53 first-class appearances with over 3,600 runs at an outstanding average of 57. His tally includes nine centuries and 22 half-centuries; strong numbers that position him as one of India's top contenders for Test selection. His IPL performances have also consistently drawn attention, including a 474-run season at a striking rate close to 150, and pivotal contributions to Kolkata Knight Riders' 2024 title win. He has also excelled in domestic T20 leagues, compiling over 3,000 runs at an average of over 34 and a brisk strike rate. "Rinku's success is attributed to his ability to adapt his batting position as per team requirements, whether it's stabilising innings at No. 5 or finishing at Nos. 7 or 8," said former India cricketer and UP captain Gyanendra Pandey. "Rinku is vocal about the importance of evolving as a multi-role player, embracing chances to contribute with both bat and ball as selectors increasingly value versatility. His relentless work ethic, on-field determination, and ability to deliver under pressure have inspired both teammates and fans," he said....