Rinku Singh’s Bold Statement Amid Poor Form and WC Squad Snub: “Time Uska Kharab Hota Hai…”

Rinku Singh, currently traveling as a reserve player with the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup beginning on June 1, is also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL. Last season, Rinku had a breakthrough performance, amassing 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52, including four fifties. His stellar contributions were a key factor for KKR and established him as a promising talent in the league.

However, the 2024 IPL season has not been as fruitful for Rinku. He has struggled to replicate his previous form, scoring just 168 runs in 11 innings at an average of 18.66, with his highest score being 26. This significant drop in performance has been attributed to either a lack of form or fewer opportunities to bat higher up the order due to strong performances from the top-order batsmen in the team. The limited opportunities might have hindered his ability to find consistency and rhythm in his batting.

Despite these challenges, Rinku remains optimistic and determined. He has expressed his aspiration to win a major trophy for his team and to lift it with his own hands, demonstrating his enduring commitment to his goals. His motivation has not been dampened by his exclusion from the main squad for the T20 World Cup or his recent poor form in the IPL.

Rinku made his T20 debut for India in 2023 against Ireland. Since his debut, he has played 15 matches, scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at an exceptional average of 89.00 and a strike rate of 176.24. These impressive statistics highlight his potential and capability in the shortest format of the game. His last T20 appearance for India was against Afghanistan in January 2024.

Overall, Rinku Singh’s career showcases a young cricketer with immense potential and resilience. Despite a challenging IPL season and not making the main World Cup squad, his performances at the international level and his unwavering spirit indicate that he has the talent and determination to overcome setbacks and achieve his dreams in cricket.

“Since I have played cricket, I have won some trophies at junior level. But not at the senior level. I am going to the World Cup. I want to hold the WC trophy, I hope we win. My dream is to win a big trophy for my country and lift it in my hands,” stated Rinku IPL website.

Speaking on the idea of someone going through a bad phase, Rinku gave a very optimistic reply, saying, “Time kharab uska hota hai jiske haath pair nahi hote, hamare toh hain. Hamara time kharab nahi hai .”

Rinku Singh’s remarkable feat of hitting five consecutive sixes in the final over of a tense run-chase against the Gujarat Titans, bowled by Yash Dayal, significantly boosted his reputation. Reflecting on this extraordinary performance, Rinku acknowledged that these sixes greatly enhanced the value of his name in the cricketing world.

“I used to be wondering all the time if I would get to play further. I used to tell myself that I would do well in the next game and I should keep working hard. I kept working hard. After those five sixes, my life changed. I started getting ads. People started to recognise me. Now I cannot go out alone. It feels good when hoardings of my name are there, when people scream my name. I feel that I have done something in my life,” he stated.

He attached, “People ask me if Rinku is indeed my name or a name used by my loved ones at home. I tell them it is my real name. Many people tell me that girls are given this name.”

Reflecting on his incredible achievement of hitting five successive sixes in the final over against Gujarat Titans’ Yash Dayal, Rinku Singh expressed his astonishment, stating that he never imagined he would accomplish such a feat. He credited the unpredictability of life for making it happen, highlighting the unexpected nature of his remarkable performance that secured a thrilling win for Kolkata Knight Riders and significantly enhanced his reputation in the cricketing world.

“God is somewhere thinking better for you. I would say, God’s plan!,” he attached.

Rinku Singh, traveling as a reserve with the Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup starting on June 1, has opened up about his emotional side. Although he doesn’t consider himself very emotional, he admits that certain movies evoke strong feelings in him. One such film is “12th Fail,” released last year, which tells the real-life story of Indian Police Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma’s journey to success. Rinku shared, “I am not that emotional. But when I see movies, watch scenes that motivate me or that involve someone reuniting after a long time, I start crying. I cried a lot when I watched ’12th Fail.’ I could relate to it since I had come from the bottom. When someone’s son does well and a movie is made on them, it feels motivating to me.”

Reflecting on his role as a finisher in the middle order for KKR, Rinku expressed confidence in his ability to handle pressure situations. He stated, “I have been playing at this number for long, I know what to do. The more you keep yourself calm, the more you just react to the ball, it will be easier.”

On Tuesday, Rinku’s KKR will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for a direct spot in the IPL final. This clash promises to be a high-scoring affair, featuring two of the season’s standout teams known for their aggressive batting and ability to put up huge totals.

KKR concluded the regular season at the top of the table with nine wins, three losses, and two no-results, accumulating a total of 20 points. They secured their spot in the qualifiers after beating Mumbai Indians by 18 runs on May 11. Their final two league-stage matches against Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals were abandoned due to rain.

SRH finished in second place with eight wins, five losses, and one no-result, giving them 16 points. In their last league-stage game on Sunday, they defeated Punjab Kings by four wickets, securing their place in the qualifiers.