Can Rinku Singh emulate MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh’s finishing skills? Here’s what this former India cricketer thinks | Cricket News – Times of India
Rinku showcased his prowess as a finisher for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the 2023 IPL season.
The standout moment arrived when he unleashed an onslaught against Gujarat Titans’ fast bowler Yash Dayal, smashing five consecutive sixes on the final five deliveries of the match in Ahmedabad, securing an extraordinary victory.Across the entirety of the tournament, Rinku amassed a total of 474 runs across 14 matches, maintaining a formidable strike rate of 149.53.
He was entrusted with the role of finishing innings for KKR. Impressively, his strike rate during the last five overs of matches in the tournament skyrocketed to 186.66, establishing a new record for the highest such strike rate achieved by an Indian batter in this competition.
“I have been waiting for his opportunity in the Indian team. And that batting position, of No.5 and 6, he will perform well in that spot and can end up being a brilliant finisher. We all have seen MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh. After that we haven’t got a player like them,” said More.
On Friday, Rinku debuted for India in T20Is in the series opener against Ireland, but didn’t get to bat as rain meant the visitors won by two runs via DLS method.
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“We tried making such players, but it didn’t work so far. Tilak Varma is also there, he too can perform that role. Rinku is also a brilliant fielder. And I have seen him in domestic cricket as well, he has improved a lot I feel,” added More, a former chief selector.
I AM LIVING MY MOTHER’S DREAM: RINKU
Living his “mother’s dream”, swashbuckling batter Rinku Singh says a burning desire to give his parents a good life while wading through tough times paved the way for his inclusion into the Indian team.
“A lot of blood and sweat has gone behind to earn this call. My passion for the sport helped me wade through a lack of support and financial hardships,” Rinku said.
“One thing that kept the desire burning was to give my family a good life, which was possible if I moved up the ladder in the sport. I had that self-belief and that made me stronger and helped me in my journey which has taken a new turn,” he added.
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“They were very happy. My mother always told me to work as hard as I can to earn the India call and that has happened now, so I am living their dream.”
Speaking about the difficulties his family faced as he grew up, Rinku said he was desperate to get his parents out of poverty.
“I have seen my family face financial struggles and I wanted to help them overcome through cricket. That desire to get them out of the grind kept me going. It kept me motivated to work hard and keep up my efforts.
“My family had a massive role in my journey to date. When they didn’t have enough to fund my career, my mother borrowed money from others to keep me going. Where I am today is because of the support I have got from them.”
(With inputs from agencies)
