In IPL 2023, the biggest positive for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would undoubtedly be the dynamic left-handed batsman, Rinku Singh who amassed 474 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 149.53. Rinku Singh they nearly pulled off a mugging against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), but the team lost the match by a lone run.
It won’t be wrong to say that KKR changed their combination frequently, which didn’t help the team. Skipper Nitish Rana would be completely disappointed as the team was unable to perform consistently and they finished in 7th position in the points table with 6 wins from 14 matches.
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The injury to KKR captain Shreyas Iyer disturbed the team dynamic a bit. Flamboyant all-rounder Andre Russell couldn’t perform up to his credentials as he scored 227 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 145.51 and an average of 20.64.
Also Read: IPL 2023: “If I Have To Keep Someone On Top It Would Be Rinku Singh” – Virender Sehwag Matches KKR Batsman With MS Dhoni & Yuvraj Singh
I try to play to my strengths- Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh was having an interaction with Cricbuzz and was asked where he got his composure as MS Dhoni seen in tense endings. He claimed that he has gotten used to finishing matches and revealed the advice he received from CSK boss MS Dhoni.
“I have gotten used to this. During the CSK match I had a talk with Mahi bhai (Dhoni) on how to handle tight endings. He told me ‘let the pitcher do what he wants, you stand up and focus on finishing’”, Rinku Singh said.
LPI 2023 | India national cricket team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Capitals of Delhi (DC) | Gujarat Titans (GT) | Knights Riders of Calcutta (KKR) | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
When asked about not playing breakthrough shots and relying heavily on playing in front of the wicket, Rinku said:
“It’s for practice. a lot of sarees (a lot of practice. I do not look for innovations and try to take advantage of my strengths. I always remember what Mahi bhai he had advised that it was ‘if you’re looking to play fair, it would be better'”.
Also Read: IPL 2023: Rinku Singh Will Get Higher Paycheck Next Season After Best Batting Show For Kolkata Knight Riders – Chris Gayle
Suresh Raina is my idol- Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh also said that he is concentrating on his batting and is not thinking of calling up India.
I haven’t thought along those lines. I’ll go home and concentrate on my work. I’ll start all over again.” he said.
Rinku further revealed the name of his idol and stated that he started playing cricket because of him.
“I follow Suresh Raina bhai. He is my idol. Thanks to him I started playing cricket.” Rinku Singh said.
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When asked about his stint at KKR, Rinku said that he is quite grateful, mentioning that CEO Venky Mysore has been very supportive of him.
“The franchise has helped me a lot. Venky (Mysore, the CEO) The lord supported me a lot when I had an injury. They have spent 6-7 years playing for KKR. I am very grateful to the franchise management.” added.
Also Read: KKR vs LSG: “He is a guarantee for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad if he continues to play like this” – Tom Moody on Rinku Singh