Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh plays a shot during the IPL 2023 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 20, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI
Rinku Singh may be the only talking point for Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL season that has gone horribly wrong, but the 25-year-old prefers to stay grounded and not think about a push by Team India.
Having hit the headlines for hitting back-to-back fives and sixes in their win over Gujarat Titans earlier this season, Rinku has emerged as KKR’s top-batter and finisher this season with the former India coach picking him that of Ravi Shastri to make a late push for India’s World Cup squad.
“Anyone would feel good to have a season like this, but I don’t think it is far off that I will be selected in the Indian team,” said Rinku in the post-match media interaction after their one-run defeat at Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday.
The 25-year-old scored a 33-ball 67 not out, his fourth fifty of the season, and almost pulled off another thrilling win over LSG.
Rinku finished the top run-getter for KKR with 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and a 149-plus strike rate.
From being accustomed to chants of ‘Rinku, Rinku’ in the galleries of the Eden Gardens tree to receiving tributes from all over, her life has changed dramatically in just two months.
But Rinku prefers to go back to the drawing board and follow the same routine.
“I will just continue my same routine — practice and gym — after returning home. Names will keep on coming, I will just do my job,” the UP cricketer said.
“Everyone at home is really happy. Last year people recognized me from my cameos. But after hitting those five sixes, I’m getting a lot of respect. Now a lot of people know me. I’m happy but not overjoyed, After all, we won’t make it,” he grumbled.
Need to hit three sixes off the last three deliveries to win against LSG, it’s a Gujarat Titans situation.
“I was very relaxed, and thought we’ll see whatever happens. [against Gujarat Titans] entered my mind. I only missed one ball [to hit a six] and it turned out to be four,” he lamented.
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