Team India’s rising middle-order star, Rinku Singh, recently shared insights into the freedom and backing the team has received from Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Their message is clear: play your natural attacking game, no matter the situation. This was evident during India’s second T20I against Bangladesh in New Delhi, where the team, despite a shaky start with 45 runs and the top-order dismissed by the end of the powerplay, managed to put up a formidable total of 221 by the end of the innings.
Rinku Singh, batting at number 5, played a pivotal role, smashing 53 off 29 balls and stitching together a vital 108-run partnership with Nitish Reddy in just 49 balls. His efforts helped India post a match-winning score.
After the game, Rinku Singh spoke about the freedom he and his teammates are given. “The coach and captain have asked us to play our game, no matter what the situation is. The message from them is simple: maarte jao ball ko (just keep hitting the ball),” he said during the post-match press conference, reflecting the aggressive intent instilled by Gambhir and Suryakumar. “The coach has given us full freedom to back ourselves and hit the ball,” he added, crediting Gambhir, with whom he shares a bond from their time at Kolkata Knight Riders.
ALSO READ: Harry Brook Breaks Records With Triple Century, Chasing Virender Sehwag’s Feat
While Rinku usually bats lower in the order and doesn’t always get many balls to face, he took full advantage of the opportunity when promoted to number 5. He showed maturity in pacing his innings, navigating the pressure, and setting up a competitive total for India.
“When I get to bat earlier, I focus on taking singles and doubles, only attacking the bad balls. If I come in with just 2-3 overs left, my goal is to hit more boundaries. But my main aim is always to score as many runs as possible for the team,” Rinku Singh explained.
Rinku Singh also spoke about the challenging conditions when he first walked out to bat. “The ball wasn’t coming onto the bat easily. Sanju (Samson) and Surya bhai got out, and Nitish Reddy told me the ball was sticking on the wicket,” he shared. They adapted their approach, building a partnership by starting with singles before Reddy’s big hits shifted the momentum.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Warns Abhishek Sharma And Sanju Samson About Missed Opportunities
Rinku, who is set to play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, expressed his ambition to become an all-format player for India. “I do see myself as an all-format player, and I will grab any opportunity that comes my way,” he said.
India will look to complete a series sweep in the third and final T20I in Hyderabad on Saturday.
