Contrary to the widespread notion, Rinku Singh’s ascension to cricketing success can’t be solely attributed to his remarkable IPL performances in 2023. While it’s tempting to link his India call-up with his outstanding IPL displays, this narrative oversimplifies the story.
Rinku Singh is a stalwart in the domestic cricket arena, particularly for Uttar Pradesh. He’s an all-format player, a dependable presence in UP’s middle order, and a tireless worker. One exceptional inning should not be the sole criterion for earning a spot on the national team.
However, it’s undeniable that the IPL has provided Rinku Singh with the much-needed visibility that his hard work and consistent domestic cricket performances couldn’t. He’s a complete package, a team player, and possesses the potential for long-term success with the Indian cricket team.
Let’s delve into three compelling reasons why India should consider including Rinku Singh in their ODI squad following the 2023 World Cup.
3 Unshakable Composure
Rinku Singh has encountered numerous challenges in his cricketing journey, but his modest upbringing has equipped him with valuable life insights. He comprehends the fleeting nature of fame, which allows him to remain remarkably composed even in the face of daunting challenges.
His unflappable demeanor is evident in high-pressure situations, such as when he smashed five consecutive sixes in an IPL match this year. Rinku’s ability to maintain his composure and focus, even under extreme pressure, makes him a valuable addition to India’s ODI team. Cricket is not just a physical game; it’s equally a mental one, and Rinku has exhibited a steely resolve to overcome obstacles with a smile.
2 The Left-Handed Advantage
With the uncertainty surrounding Rishabh Pant’s future, Rinku Singh offers India a left-handed option in the middle order. His impressive first-class average of 59.89 across 59 innings, including seven centuries and 19 half-centuries, demonstrates his consistently strong performance.
As a left-hander, he provides India with a valuable edge in ODIs, especially given the team’s predominance of right-handed batsmen. Rinku is adept at taking on both seamers and spinners and has a knack for finding boundaries even in challenging situations, making him a natural fit for the Indian team.
1 The Perfect Finisher
Let’s talk about the IPL – Rinku Singh shot to fame with his remarkable feat of hitting five consecutive sixes in the last over against the Gujarat Titans. Beyond this extraordinary display, he delivered a consistent performance throughout the tournament.
He managed to score over 40 runs in seven out of 14 innings, a remarkable feat for a middle-order batsman, especially given KKR’s often fragile top order. Rinku had the responsibility of starting cautiously, which highlighted his adaptability.
Two particular innings underscore his impact: first, a composed 54 off 43 balls in a challenging run chase in Chennai when KKR was struggling at 33 for 3. This was followed by an unbeaten 67 off 33 balls, another remarkable innings where he nearly pulled off a miraculous chase of 41 runs from just 12 balls.
This is what Rinku Singh brings to the table. This is reminiscent of what Yuvraj Singh could do for India in limited-overs cricket, and this is the potential that Rinku Singh possesses.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Genz Flash journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.