INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: The explosive or slam bang version of the cricket - the Twenty20s, has propelled many budding cricketers from total unknowns to
superstars within just a few deliveries or overs
Young Rinku Singh stands out as a prime example, skyrocketing to fame, recognition, and superstardom in an incredibly brief timeframe
With time, he has earned the role of a 'finisher'.Rinku, who grabbed eyeballs for towering five sixes in an over against Gujarat Titans in
the 2023 Indian Premier League season, once again hogged the limelight for hitting the winning runs in the final over and handing India a
two-wicket victory against Australia in the first T20I on Thursday.Chasing a mammoth 209 against Australia in Visakhapatnam, India were
tottering at 154 for 4 in the 15th over when Rinku walked in.With a single needed off the final delivery, Rinku remained calm and dispatched
pacer Sean Abbott into the stands for a six
But the delivery turned out to be a big no-ball
Hence, the six was not counted but only the run off the no-ball was considered.After hitting the winning runs, Rinku stretched his arms and
sent a clear message across that he has once again rose to the occasion and did the job for his team.The 26-year-old Rinku, from Aligarh,
Uttar Pradesh, has played 6 T20Is so far and scored 97 runs at an average of 97.00 and an astonishing strike rate of 194
"I have been playing since 2013
I have played a number of matches
I love to play in different conditions and situations
Honestly, I love challenges
If someone says it is difficult or impossible, I love to do those things
The best part is that I believe in myself," Rinku told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview just before the India vs Australia
"I generally bat down the order and these kinds of crunch situations arise automatically
So, I am familiar with these situations now
I have been practising hard and training regularly at KKR academy under Abhishek Nayar sir
Abhishek sir has helped me a lot
I have learnt a lot from him
He creates a situation and makes me practise accordingly," Rinku said.Rinku Singh watches the ball after playing a shot
(AFP Photo)'RINKU EYES T20 WORLD CUP SPOT'The 26 year-old left-hander is looking as a bright prospect for the next year's T20 World Cup, to
be hosted by the West Indies and the United States from June 4 to June 30.With his hard-hitting batting prowess and ability to bat in crunch
situations, Rinku's name may give selectors a sweet headache while picking the team for the T20 World Cup next year.When questioned about
his readiness for the T20 World Cup, Rinku confidently replied with a 'yes'."Yes
I don't think much about the future
If I get the chance, I will surely grab it and do well
Be it any format or anywhere in the world, if I get the chance I will give my hundred percent," he said."It will be a big big thing for me
I am the only male cricketer from Aligarh to play in IPL and India as well
This is a huge thing for me
Every cricketer's dream is to play for India and represent the country in the World Cup
I am also living this dream
I don't know how I will react when I see my name in the World Cup squad
But I will wait for that day
I am really working hard towards that goal," Rinku said.Virat Kohli wins player of the tournament at ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023'RAINA
- RINKU'S INSPIRATION AND IDOL'Rinku, whose rise from a humble background to superstardom has been an inspiration for many, became an
overnight superstar when he whacked Gujarat Titans' pacer Yash Dayal for five straight sixes to hand Kolkata Knight Riders a miraculous
win."It took a while to sink in (those five sixes)
Yes, those five sixes changed my life
That match and those five sixes have played a big role in my career
It is not easy to hit five sixes in an over
It was special because my team was chasing and I was the last hope for a win
My team praised me a lot," Rinku said.Suresh Raina (TOI Photo)The 26-year-old left-hander credits Suresh Raina for his rise
The youngster, who calls Raina his 'idol' and 'inspiration', has managed to take many leaves out of the veteran's book
"I am a huge fan of Suresh Raina bhaiya
I follow him and try to copy him
He has played a big role in my life and career
He helped me with the bat, pads and everything I needed while playing cricket
He has sent almost everything without asking or saying anything
Whenever I am in doubt, I call Raina bhaiya
He is more than a big brother to me
He has taught me how to handle pressure," he said
"He says Time le, 4-5 ball le, settle ho, fir apne haath khol (Take 4-5 balls to settle down and then shift to top gear)
Those tips and learnings helped me a lot during IPL and now for India too," Rinku signed off.
