Over a year has passed since Rinku Singh’s towering six shattered the press box window at St. George’s Park during a T20 International against South Africa in December 2023. That memorable shot, part of Rinku’s resilient 68 off 39 balls, left its mark not only on the scorecard but also on the Graeme Pollock Pavilion. The cracked window remains a symbol of his power, standing tall despite storms and budgetary constraints, a story waiting to be autographed by the Indian batter whenever he returns.
The glass, damaged but intact, has weathered harsh conditions, including a storm last August that tore off part of the stadium roof. Rinku, who had apologized for the incident, saw his shot lauded as “great” by former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn. The management, however, hasn’t prioritized repairing the window, citing the complexities of the task and financial limitations.
“Replacing it isn’t easy,” a ground management official explained. “The location is tricky, requiring a crane for access, and we’ve focused on more pressing issues.” St. George’s Park, located near the Indian Ocean, faces constant maintenance challenges due to corrosion of its metallic structures.
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The official emphasized that resources have been directed toward essential repairs, such as restoring the roof after the August storm, which cost a hefty 400,000 rands. With no immediate risk posed by the cracked glass, its repair has been deferred. “Maybe we’ll get Rinku’s autograph on it when he visits again,” the official joked, adding that it will eventually be replaced when funds and priorities align.
#AidenMarkram brought himself on in the penultimate over, and #RinkuSingh made him pay with back-to-back maximums 🔥
Rinku has brought his A-game to South Africa!
Tune-in to the 2nd #SAvIND T20I
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/HiibVjyuZH— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 12, 2023
India is unlikely to tour South Africa in the near future, missing an opportunity to turn the damaged glass into a keepsake. When the Indian team returned for a T20 series last November, the staff failed to secure Rinku’s signature on the window—a playful yet poignant acknowledgement of his contribution to cricket’s folklore at the venue.
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As custodians of the stadium, which belongs to the local municipality, the management strives to balance public expectations and fiscal realities. “People must feel we’re doing a good job,” the official noted, underscoring their efforts to maintain the historic venue. For now, the broken glass stands as an enduring reminder of Rinku Singh’s explosive talent, awaiting its own chapter in cricketing history.
