LUCKNOW, Oct. 11 -- Former champions Uttar Pradesh open their Ranji Trophy campaign against Bihar at Rajgir International Stadium on Sunday, with Rinku Singh in the spotlight. Last season, Rinku underlined his red-ball credentials last season and would be keen to build on that success and help UP, who are in Group A.

His explosive batting has earned him fame, but Rinku's first-class record is very healthy. He has aggregated 3,757 runs at an average of 58.70, with nine centuries and 23 fifties. His career-best 176 against Tamil Nadu and an unbeaten 165 against Andhra in the 2025-26 season underlined his quality, both hundreds coming in difficult situations.

It was a timely reminder of Rinku's value in red-ball cricket. He struck centurie...