Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh has impressed one and all with his exploits in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Rinku has played 11 matches in IPL 2023 so far, amassing 337 runs at a brilliant average and strike rate of 56.17 and 151.12 respectively. More than the impressive numbers, the southpaw has captured everyone’s imagination by finishing games for KKR from difficult situations.
Addressing the media, Rinku Singh on Wednesday (May 10) opened up on a million-dollar advice he received from the legendary MS Dhoni this season.
"He's the world's best finisher. I just asked 'Bhaiya' what else I could do while I'm going to bat. He just told me don't think much, just wait for the ball," Rinku told reporters in Kolkata about his recent interaction with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper.
On Monday (May 8), Rinku Singh took KKR over the line against PBKS with a boundary off Arshdeep Singh on the final ball.
Earlier in the IPL 2023 season, the swashbuckling left-hander snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat for KKR by smashing GT pacer Yash Dayal for five successive sixes.
Asked how he holds his nerves in pressure situations, Rinku said: "For the spot I'm batting in, you have to be calm-headed, it's about going with a clear mind and backing yourself. You have to stay calm. People were screaming 'Rinku, Rinku', but my focus was only on the last ball."
He further said that his training at the KKR academy is paying off.
"My hard work at the KKR academy is paying off. We had an off-season camp there and I've worked hard and improved a lot. I just play normal shots, and practice harder for death overs as per my batting position at KKR Academy," Rinku stated.
"I just try to keep it simple and play normal shots. I think if I try something extra it will affect my batting. It's about just playing according to the merit of the ball and I just back my shots."
Rinku Singh considers his UP senior and former India batter Suresh Raina as his idol.
"I don't follow anyone as such. I usually bat at No. 5, 6 or 7. I bat at similar positions in UP. Suresh Raina has been my idol," he concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
