Rinku Singh blasted 38 off 21 balls to turbocharge India to 185 for 5, a total Ireland fell short by 33 runs, and it helped the 26-year-old from Alipur to win his first player of the match award in only hid second international match.
Rinku’s cameo added the much-needed spark to India’s innings and it was his 28-ball 55 run spartnership with Shivam Dube (22 not out), which helped India to finish with a flourish.
“I am feeling very good. I was trying to do what I have done in the IPL. I was very confident and tried to stay calm,” he said at the post-match presentation.
When his captain and the post-match presentation ceremony translator Bumrah asked indulgently “Captain ki baat sunta hai (Do you listen to your captain?)”
“I listen to the captain (smiles),” Rinku replies with a smile.
Achi finish ki chinta kyu jab crease par barkaraar ho Rinku ????! ????#IREvIND #JioCinema #Sports18 #RinkuSingh #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/QPwvmPPPxK
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 20, 2023
The journey from Aligarh to the Indian cricket team via IPL had a lot of turbulence. But Rinku knows how to keep himself calm. He takes pride in his past and says it not only keeps him grounded but also motivates him to keep working hard for his goals.
“The hard work that I have done, has been working hard for 10 years. The hard work that I did gets paid off with such contributions. The first game I batted, I get the Player of the Match, and it could not get any happier,” said Rinku.
India’s vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has also showered praise on the southpaw and pointed out what youngsters can learn from watching Rinku play.
“Rinku is already everyone’s favourite in the IPL. The way he has batted in the IPL, he has shown a lot of maturity,” he said.
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“I think one of the standout things about him is that he doesn’t attack from ball one. He gives himself time, no matter what the situation is. He always assesses the condition and then starts to take on the bowlers.
“It is good learning from all the upcoming players who want to be a finisher. It is always important that you take some time, and you can always cover it up later.
“He knows when to pull the trigger. It was an important innings for him; he was batting for the first time in international cricket. I feel this will help him a lot,” said Gaikwad.
