Allround plaudits: Rinku Singhs magnificent effort was appreciated by even his opponents.
| Photo Credit: Ok.R. DEEPAK
After his crew managed a one-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in its final league match and secured a spot within the Indian Premier League playoffs on the Eden Gardens right here on Saturday, Lucknow Super Giants coach Andy Flower was gracious sufficient to praise finisher Rinku Singh for single-handedly taking the host to the brink of victory.
“We were really in a good situation. But if they had won it from there, it would have been genuinely astounding. Rinku played out of his skin again to get them that close. It was a matter of not making an obvious error in those last few overs. He batted beautifully,” mentioned Flower.
“Looks like (he’s) a really physically talented guy. But he also looks like he is really hungry for success and humble at the same time, but confident in what he can do. Really a good package! He is showing that he can do it under pressure, that’s a key aspect of playing international cricket. I think he has got a future,” he mentioned.
Totally relaxed
On placing up one other fabulous efficiency, an unbeaten 33-ball 67, Rinku mentioned, “I was completely relaxed. The thought of hitting five sixes in a row (against Gujarat Titans) did come to my mind. I just missed one ball (trying to hit a six) and it turned out to be a four.”
Unaffected by his rising fan following and prospects of being chosen for the Indian crew, Rinku mentioned, “I will just continue my routine, practice and gym, after returning home.”
Meanwhile, Flower lauded Nicholas Pooran, whose useful half-century — a 30-ball 58 — helped LSG immensely, and hoped he would go on to serve West Indies cricket properly in future.
