Ex-India speedster S Sreesanth thinks that rising star Rinku Singh’s mindset and play style echo boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Acclaimed as one of the pivotal sports personalities of the 20th century, Ali bore the nickname, the “greatest”.
Meanwhile, Rinku Singh had a memorable IPL 2023, hitting 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.53. The 26-year-old kept his cool to do multiple miracles as a finisher for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
His valor won him a spot on the Indian T20I squad. In nine games, the southpaw has gone from strength to strength, averaging an amazing 87 with a strike rate of 197.72.
Sreesanth told IANS that Rinku Singh’s steady performances and courageous approach reminded him of Muhammad Ali.
“I love Rinku Singh’s confidence,” Sreesanth said. “He has been doing it consistently for every team he plays, whether it’s club cricket, whether it’s team cricket, whether it’s a franchise. He doesn’t care, doesn’t get carried away but he speaks his heart out and that’s Muhammad Ali for me.”
S Sreesanth
Rinku has repeatedly emerged as the victor in numerous challenging circumstances throughout the current five-game T20I series against Australia, aiding India in establishing an unbeatable 3-1 lead. Rinku has performed impressively, averaging 99 in three rounds with a strike rate of 190.38.
Rinku Singh has practically clinched his position in the Indian squad as the chosen finisher with the T20 World Cup commencing in six months.
“Australia played the Australian way” – S Sreesanth
Sreesanth reminisced on Team India’s painful loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final. The former Indian bowler praised the Men in Yellow’s fielding in the big game.
A disciplined bowling and fielding effort helped Australia limit the Men in Blue to a final-day 240. Australia was down to 47/3 at one stage, but recovered to win by six wickets with seven overs to go.
“I’ll be honest. Australia just outplayed us,” Sreesanth continued. “Australia played the Australian way. Target which should have been 280 to 290, Australian fielders held it to 240. It was the Warner, Labuschagne, Smith who saved those 40 to 50 runs that changed the whole scenario of the game.”
S Sreesanth
It was Australia’s fifth World Cup victory in the past seven editions and their sixth overall in the ODI format. After winning all nine league games and the semi-final, India’s campaign came to a painful end despite high expectations.
The final defeat extended India’s ICC trophy drought, which began with their victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy.
