Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh was full of praise for Rinku Singh after the left-hander produced a high-impact cameo in the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21. Making a return to the playing XI after being named in India’s provisional squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Rinku wasted no time in reminding everyone of his finishing credentials. His unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls played a decisive role in India’s commanding 48-run victory.
Rinku’s inclusion itself came amid last-minute changes, with Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma dropped by the selectors. Walking in after Shivam Dube’s dismissal in the 14th over, Rinku faced a familiar but demanding situation — maximise the death overs without losing momentum.
He did exactly that, smashing four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 220 to propel India to a daunting total of 238/7. His calculated aggression and composure under pressure stood out, especially given the long gap since his last appearance. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan highlighted Rinku’s mindset and work ethic.
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“Rinku Singh’s performance has to be praised, the poor guy got a chance after a long time, and he made the most of it,” Harbhajan Singh said. “Every time he gets a chance, he is such a hardworking player that he never lets the chance go. Whenever he plays, he wins hearts.”
Harbhajan also reserved special praise for Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive knock laid the foundation for India’s big total. Abhishek hammered 84 off just 35 deliveries, lacing his innings with five fours and eight sixes. Despite being close to his third T20I hundred, he chose to continue attacking and was dismissed while going after Ish Sodhi, even after striking three boundaries earlier in the over.
“Abhishek Sharma could have easily scored a hundred, but he said no,” Harbhajan Singh noted. “He said that he will continue to bat in the same explosive fashion, even if he gets out. This is the difference in mentality. This is massive — he didn’t think about himself, he thought about the team.”
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Harbhajan went on to underline Abhishek’s growing impact at the top of the order. “The way he is batting now, whenever he scores a 50, Team India wins. He is a superstar, and the bowlers do not have any answers against him,” he added.
During his blistering innings, Abhishek also reached a significant milestone, completing 5,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved the feat in just 2,898 balls, becoming the fastest batter in history to do so, surpassing Andre Russell’s previous record. Together, Abhishek’s fearless approach and Rinku’s calm finishing made a strong statement about India’s evolving T20 core.
