Rinku Singh had a terrific season in the Ranji Trophy where he scored the most runs for Uttar Pradesh and was also the third highest run-getter overall. He scored 953 runs in 13 innings at a tremendous average of over 105. He scored four big hundreds (163*, 149, 149 and 150).

The 21-year-old was picked up by KKR last year for 80 lakhs and was retained for IPL 2019. He did not have a very impressive season in 2018 but has improved his batting during the course of time. He practiced with KKR mentor and Mumbai stalwart Abhishek Nayar during various sessions at the KKR Academy.

In a recent interview with kkr.in, the southpaw said," A lot has changed over the past year. I was going through a prolonged lean patch - I did not have a great domestic season, or for that matter, even at the IPL, I was struggling. There were lots of issues I was facing with my batting."

About practicing with Nayar, he said," I called up Abhishek (Nayar) to discuss those issues, and told him I needed some practice and guidance. He immediately agreed to help me out. Since then, all the mistakes I was making in the IPL, and whatever issues I was having with my batting, he made me work hard on fixing them. I was rushing a lot during the IPL and I wasn't thinking clearly enough. Nayar pointed out what I needed to fix, and helped me work on my weaknesses. Soon after my sessions with Nayar, I went to play for UPCA in the Ranji Trophy. Those sessions I had at the KKR Academy helped me a lot, and as a result, I had a good season with my team."

One of the key things that make good batsmen become great, is their ability to convert good innings into big ones. Rinku showed that quality as his lowest score after getting to triple figures is 149.

He acknowledges that saying," Even bowlers go on to hit hundreds at times. But only those who can convert them to big knocks are remembered. Big scores definitely stand out, and people recognize that too. The feeling of hitting big centuries is unique and really special. I'm quite happy I could do that for my side."

Kolkata Knight Riders play their first match of IPL 2019 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 24 March 2019 at the Eden Gardens at 4 pm IST.