Rinku Singh made his India debut in the ongoing T20I tour of Ireland.
Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rinku amassed 474 runs from 14 innings at a brilliant average and strike rate of 59.25 and 149.52 respectively. More than the impressive numbers, he captured everyone’s imagination by finishing games for KKR from difficult situations.
Subsequently, Rinku was rewarded a place in India’s squad for the ongoing T20I tour of Ireland and the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games.
On Friday (August 18), the left-hander received his maiden India cap in the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin. While Rinku didn’t get a chance to bat in the series opener, the southpaw scored 38 off 21 balls in the second T20I and earned the Player-of-the-Match award.
Having seen Rinku Singh’s development from close quarters, KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar on Tuesday (August 22) termed the former’s journey as one of hard work and perseverance.
“I have seen Rinku evolve as an individual. The first time I saw him in the KKR set up, and spent time with him when he came to Mumbai, he was very shy and a guy with very low self belief,” Nayar told PTI during a chat organised by Jio Cinema.
“Overall, Rinku Singh has been a tremendous story — a rags to riches sort of story — but with a lot of hard work and perseverance,” he added.
“But one thing which has been a standout for Rinku is the fact that he is always has this ability to work hard, listen and learn — he has always been hungry to learn.”
Nayar also spilled the beans on Rinku’s personality and said: “He is an unbelievable guy to have in the dressing room and in general, he is happy, always smiling, and happy for others’ performances.
“He is someone with whom you can share your performances (with). He is always this happy-go-lucky kid and an absolute entertainer.”
Nayar said not many believed in Rinku after he picked up a knee injury two years ago.
“Two years back, coming from his knee surgery, it just felt that a lot of people counted him out did not believe he could do what he is doing today,” he said.
“But kudos to KKR management and everyone involved in terms of backing him and a lot of credit goes to Rinku for working hard on his game and achieving what he is achieving today,” Nayar added.
Commenting on his knock in the second T20I, Nayar said: “For me, the No 5 position at which he batted in the last game is perfect. He can give himself time and go to play his big shots. He is indeed a finisher but he is also a capable batter who can make runs.
“The perfect slot for him — which the Indian team also needs — is No 5. If he gets to bat around the 10th over, he can play the dual role of a finisher and a middle-order batter,” he remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)