Vaibhav Tripathi
Rinku Singh did not take long to make an impact in India colours. After bagging the Player of the Match award in his second T20I, against Ireland, the Kolkata Knight Riders star attributed the success to his Indian Premier League experience.
“I am feeling very good. I was trying to do what I have done in the IPL. I was confident and tried to stay calm… I listen to the captain (smiling). I have been playing for 10 years. My efforts have borne fruit. I am happy to get this award in my first game (innings),” the left-handed batter said after the match in Dublin, where India sealed the three-match series 2-0.
Although he made his debut in the rain-affected first match India won on the DLS method, Rinku didn’t get a chance to bat because the team had lost two wickets. Coming in at No 5 on Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh big-hitter started cautiously.
However, as the innings progressed, Rinku found his rhythm and shots. He cut loose in the death overs and contributed a valuable 38 off 21 balls. His knock included two boundaries and three sixes. He got the Player of the Match award ahead of vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who top-scored with a 43-ball 58.