Rinku Singh has confessed that he has gained a lot of respect after smashing five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023. He said that it feels nice to be recognized and his family is proud of him.
Rinku Singh was the standout performer for KKR this season, despite the fact that the team did not make it to the playoffs. He scored 474 runs in 14 matches, with 4 half centuries, at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52.
On Saturday he hit another brilliant 67* off 33 balls to give Lucknow Super Giants a huge fright. Chasing 177, KKR concluded on 175/7. KKR lost by one run as Lucknow made it into the playoffs.
In a post-match press conference Rinku Singh said:
“[My] Family is very happy. People started knowing me from last year when I played a good knock [against LSG]. But, ever since I have hit five sixes, I’ve been getting a lot of respect. A lot of people are now recognizing me. Feels good.”
Rinku made headlines last year when he hit 40 off 15 balls in a losing cause against LSG. This season, he astonished everyone by hitting GT bowler Yash Dayal for five consecutive sixes in the final over of the match. He helped his team pull off an incredible win.
On Saturday, he came close to pulling off another stunning triumph over LSG. Despite Rinku’s heroics, KKR needed 21 off the last over and came barely short.
“Those five sixes were at the back of my mind when I was batting. I was very relaxed and thought I will hit the way I have been doing. We needed 21 runs in the last over. I missed one ball, otherwise we would have won.”
Rinku Singh hit a six with KKR needing 18 off the last three balls. The second ball went for a four. Despite a maximum off the final delivery, Kolkata was unable to surpass Lucknow’s total.
Rinku Singh – “I am not thinking about India selection”
The 25-year-old is not considering India call-up. When asked about it, the left-handed hitter said:
“It feels really good when you have this kind of a season. I am not thinking about India selection. I will keep working the way I have been doing and stick to my practice routine.”
“We have a good side. We made a couple of mistakes in the batting and bowling departments. A bit of bad luck also cost us a place in the playoffs. Overall, the team did well I feel.”
KKR finished sixth in the points standings with six wins and eight loses in IPL 2023.