Just like it has been for many domestic players in the past, the Indian Premier League (IPL) proved to be a game-changer for Uttar Pradesh's domestic cricket star, Rinku Singh. While he had shown glimpses of his potential during the previous season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, it was a remarkable moment in IPL 2023 that catapulted him into the spotlight.
During a challenging chase of over 200 runs against Gujarat Titans, Rinku smashed five consecutive towering sixes off pacer Yash Dayal in the final over. This extraordinary feat showcased his power-hitting abilities and propelled him into the limelight. However, Rinku's journey to cricketing stardom has not been an easy one, as he has had to battle poverty and a lack of support from his loved ones to pursue the sport he loves.
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Even after breaking into professional cricket, Rinku's talent went unnoticed initially. Despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh, he had to spend most of his time on the sidelines after being offered his first IPL contract by Punjab Kings in 2017. It was in 2018 that KKR acquired him, but he received limited opportunities to showcase his skills, and his failure to register big scores added to the challenges he faced.
However, the 2022 season provided a glimpse of what was to come for Rinku. In seven matches, he scored 174 runs at an impressive average of 34.80 and a strike rate of 148.72. One notable performance was his innings of 40 off just 15 balls, including two fours and four sixes, during a 211-run chase against Lucknow SuperGiants. Despite falling short by two runs in that match, Rinku's powerful hitting left fans astonished and earned him praise from then-head coach Brendon McCullum.
McCullum hailed Rinku's incredible story and emphasized that KKR would invest in him in the coming years. He commended Rinku's ability to turn matches around with his batting and expressed his delight at the young player's success. These words of encouragement further fueled Rinku's determination to excel in the IPL.
The 2023 season proved to be a turning point for Rinku, as he showcased his strength and solidified the notion that Indian cricket was in capable hands. His impressive domestic cricket record, with an average of 59.89 in first-class matches and 53.00 in List-A matches, further solidified his credentials as a talented player. Throughout the season, Rinku exhibited consistency with the bat, finishing as the leading run-scorer for KKR. After 14 matches, he amassed 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52. His contributions included four half-centuries, with a best score of 67*. Notably, Rinku excelled in run-chases, scoring 305 runs at an average of 152.50 and a strike rate of 174.28 in such situations. His ability to deliver under pressure and his impressive boundary-hitting prowess made him a valuable asset for KKR.
Rinku's success garnered praise from his skipper and close friend, Nitish Rana, who expressed his happiness for Rinku's achievements. Rana even presented him with his own match bat, which Rinku used during the memorable run-chase against Gujarat Titans.
While fans eagerly await Rinku's potential call-up to the Indian national team, the humble cricketer remains focused on his routine and continuous practice. He expressed gratitude for his outstanding season but stated that he is not currently thinking about selection for the national side.
Rinku's slow but satisfying rise in Indian cricket is a testament to his talent and determination. As fans, we can enjoy witnessing his remarkable journey and hope for further success in the future, including the possibility of representing the Indian team.
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