Despite the Indian Team nurturing him into a proper finisher in this format, Rinku’s absence shocked the cricketing fraternity; however, Rinku finally broke his silence on the T20 WC snub, saying he always dreamt of helping India win an ICC trophy.
The cricket world went into a frenzy following Rinku Singh’s snub from India’s 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter emerged onto the international scene (scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of over 175) following his successive outings in the Indian Premier League before this season. While everyone expected him to break into the final squad for the 20-team tournament, the selectors decided against doing so, picking him in the travelling reserves instead.
Despite the Indian Team nurturing him into a proper finisher in this format, Rinku’s absence shocked the cricketing fraternity; however, Rinku finally broke his silence on the T20 WC snub, saying he always dreamt of helping India win an ICC trophy.
In a video posted on the IPL website, Rinku said, “Since I have played cricket, I have won some trophies at the junior level but not at the senior level. I am going to the World Cup. I want to hold the WC trophy; I hope we win. My dream is to win a big trophy for my country and lift it in my hands.”
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Remaining optimistic about performing well and returning to the T20I setup, the KKR’s lower-order batter added, “Time is bad for someone who does not have his limbs; I have them. I am not going through a bad time.”
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked Shivam Dube as an extra batter alongside struggling all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Besides these two for the finisher’s role, India has two spin-bowling all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Meanwhile, for KKR this season, Rinku failed to get going, scoring just 168 runs from 11 outings, striking under-150.
Having gained prominence for hitting five successive sixes in a thrilling run chase against then-Gujarat Titans seamer Yash Dayal the previous season, Rinku admitted enjoying the success that came with that, adding he started getting recognised soon after.
“I used to be wondering all the time if I would get to play further. I used to tell myself that I would do well in the next game and I should keep working hard. I kept working hard.
“After those five sixes, my life changed. I started getting ads. People started to recognise me. Now I cannot go out alone. It feels good when hoardings of my name are there when people scream my name. I feel that I have done something in my life,” he added.
However, of his role as a lower-order batter, Rinku said, “I have been playing at this number for long (in the middle order at number five or six), I know what to do. The more you keep yourself calm, the more you just react to the ball, it will be easier.”
Meanwhile, Rinku’s KKR will take on SRH in IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 21) in Ahmedabad.
(With inputs from agencies)
