In the fast-paced world of T20 International cricket, we often talk about the towering sixes and the toe-crushing yorkers. However, as the old adage goes, "Catches win matches." While India's recent clash against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam might not have gone the Men in Blue's way on the scoreboard, it will be remembered for a masterclass in the outfield by none other than Rinku Singh .
On January 28, 2026, Rinku Singh officially entered the record books, not for his finishing with the bat, but for his exceptional athleticism. By grabbing four catches in a single T20I innings, he equaled the record for the most catches by an Indian fielder in a T20I match.
The Record-Equaling Feet
Until this week, the record for the most catches by an Indian outfielder in a T20I was held solely by Ajinkya Rahane , who took four catches against England at Edgbaston back in 2014. It took 12 long years for another Indian to match that tally.
Rinku's achievement is even more unique because it is the first time any fielder (Indian or visitor) has taken four catches in a T20I on Indian soil. Previously, a 14-way tie existed for three catches in an innings in India—a group that included legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ben Stokes. Rinku has moved now past them all to claim the throne.
A Live Wire in Visakhapatnam
The match at the ACA-VDCA Stadium saw New Zealand's batters in a predatory mood, posting a massive total of 215. Amidst the carnage, Rinku Singh was a beacon of reliability. His victims included:
Devon Conway: Caught at deep cover off Kuldeep Yadav.
Tim Seifert: Caught at long-off off Arshdeep Singh.
Glenn Phillips: A stunning running catch at long-on.
Zakary Foulkes: Stationed at long-on again to complete his record-breaking fourth.
Why Rinku is India's Greatest Asset
Beyond the single-match record, Rinku's overall fielding stats are staggering. He currently boasts one of the highest catches-per-innings ratios in the world for players with a significant career length.
Known for his "pocket dynamo" energy, Rinku doesn't just wait for the ball; he hunts it. Whether it's sprinting from the boundary or taking high-pressure "skiers" under the lights, he has quickly become the most trusted man in the deep for the Indian captain.
The Multi-Faceted Finisher
While his fielding stole the headlines, Rinku also contributed a solid 39 off 30 balls with the bat during the chase. Magicwin His ability to impact the game in all three departments—even if he only occasionally bowls—makes him an indispensable part of the squad as India prepares for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 .
Surgery
Rinku Singh's journey from the streets of Aligarh to the record books of international cricket is a story of grit. By equaling Ajinkya Rahane's record and shattering the "3-catch ceiling" on Indian soil, Rinku has proven that he is much more than just a power-hitter. He is a complete cricketer, a tactical weapon, and quite possibly, the best fielder in India right now.
