(Source News 18)
Rinku Singh, the standout performer for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is basking in the glory following his team’s triumphant clinch of their third IPL championship on May 26th.
Rinku Singh, the renowned Indian batsman and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) sensation, is reveling in the glory of KKR’s third IPL title victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 26th. Despite this success, he now directs his attention to the imminent ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, aspiring to represent the Indian squad.
Although he didn’t secure a spot in India’s initial 15-member roster, the dynamic power-hitter has been designated as one of the reserve players, alongside Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed. With an impressive record of 356 runs at a striking rate of 176.23 in 15 T20Is, the 26-year-old stands poised for a breakthrough if any injuries arise, potentially granting him the opportunity to shine on the grand stage.
Following the announcement of the World Cup squad, Rinku engaged in a discussion with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. Rinku confessed that he experienced a tinge of disappointment for not making it into the final 15, but Sharma’s words of encouragement ignited a fresh wave of determination within him, propelling him to intensify his efforts even further.
“Yes, anyone feels a little sad if they are not selected despite good performance. However, this time the selection could not take place due to team combination. No matter what, one should not think too much about what is not in one’s hands. Yes, I was a little worried in the beginning. Whatever happens, happens only for good. Rohit bhaiya did not say anything special. All he said was to just keep working hard. There is the World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry more. That’s all he said to me,” Rinku said in an exclusive interview with Jagran.
Additionally, he expressed his confidence in lifting the T20 World Cup trophy with the Indian team, drawing inspiration from his recent triumph in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Yes, I am going. I have to leave on the 28th. This is my dream to contribute whatever I can to the team. That will be good for me and also good for the team. Now I want our team to win the World Cup. My dream is also that we win the World Cup. Winning the World Cup is a big thing. Coming from where I come from, even living in a reserve is a big thing for me. My only dream now is for Team India to win the trophy and for me to lift that trophy. It is a big thing for me that from the place I am from, it is a big thing to make a place in the reserve,” he added.
The southpaw batter shared insights into his time under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir during the 17th edition of the lucrative league.
“This time we had a very good IPL season. It was a lot of fun working with Gautam Gambhir sir. Learned a lot from him. The team atmosphere was very good this time. What could be better than that we become champions? Now it will be fun if we win more World Cup trophies,” he concluded.
