Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh performs a shot throughout the IPL 2023 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Rinku Singh might have been the solitary speaking level for Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL season gone horribly improper, however the 25-year-old prefers to remain grounded and never thinking about a Team India push.
Having made headlines hitting fives sixes in a row of their win over Gujarat Titans earlier this season, Rinku emerged as KKR’s top-batter and finisher this season with former India coach Ravi Shastri selecting him to make a late push for India’s World Cup squad.
“Anyone will feel great to have a season like this, but I’m not thinking that far that I will get selected to Indian team,” stated Rinku within the post-match media interplay after their one-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday.
The 25-year-old struck a 33-ball 67 not out, his fourth fifty this season, and almost pulled off one other thrilling win in opposition to LSG.
Rinku completed with the highest run-getter for KKR with 474 runs at a median of 59.25 and 149-plus strike price.
From getting used to the chants of ‘Rinku, Rinku’ within the packed Eden Gardens’ galleries to receiving adulation from all quarters, his life has modified for good in span of simply two months.
But Rinku prefers to return to drafting board and comply with the identical 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 U.P. cricketer stated.
“Everyone at home is really happy. Last year people came to know about me for my cameos. But after hitting those five sixes, I’m getting a lot of respect. Many people now know me. I’m happy but not overjoyed, afterall we couldn’t make it,” he rued.
Needing to hit three sixes from final three deliveries to win in opposition to LSG, it was a Gujarat Titans like state of affairs.
“I was completely relaxed, and thought we would see whatever happens. Yes, the thoughts of hitting five sixes in a row [against Gujarat Titans] did come to my mind. I just missed one ball [to hit a six] and it turned out to be a four,” he lamented.
