In a high-pressure cricket match, mastering the mental game is just as crucial as technical skill, a lesson Indian batter Rinku Singh took to heart during his match-winning knock in the first T20I against Australia in Visakhapatnam. The young cricketer credits none other than the legendary former India captain MS Dhoni for imparting wisdom on staying composed during critical moments.
Rinku’s composure was on full display as he played the role of a finisher, guiding India to a nail-biting two-wicket victory with his decisive batting in the final over. In a post-match BCCI video, Rinku shared, “Mahi (Dhoni) bhai advised me to remain as calm as possible and look straight at the bowler in high-stress situations. Following that conversation, I’ve applied it to my game.” The timing of these discussions remains unclear, but their impact is undeniable.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher as India, chasing a formidable target of 209, found themselves faltering at 154 for 4 in the 15th over, until Rinku walked in to join forces with captain Suryakumar Yadav. The 26-year-old from Uttar Pradesh displayed a calm demeanor, smartly rotating the strike and pouncing on any loose deliveries. His unbeaten 22 off 14 balls, enhanced by four boundaries, marked him as a finisher in the making.
“I just wanted to be perfect when I walked out to bat, it felt great to contribute alongside Surya in a tense situation. Staying calm is what I usually aim for in crunch moments,” Rinku said, reflecting on his mindset during the innings.
With a solitary run required on the last ball, bowler Sean Abbott served up a no-ball, which Rinku dispatched for a six, eliciting triumphant cheers from the stands. However, the maximum was invalidated by the no-ball call, leaving just the extra run to seal the win. “I only heard about the no-ball from Axar bhai in the dressing room. But it’s the victory that counts, not whether the six is on my personal tally,” he expressed, brushing aside individual glory for the team’s triumph.
Rinku’s rise to prominence has been steady, gaining attention during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having originally joined Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in IPL 2017, Rinku has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since 2018. His performances, especially in the IPL 2022 and the 2023 season where he hit five sixes in an over against Gujarat Titans, has been sensational. With an impressive IPL track record of 725 runs in 31 matches, including four fifties, his selection in the national team was a natural progression.
His national team debut, which came during the Ireland T20I tour in August, has seen him play in just three T20Is, yet he has amassed an impressive 97 runs at an average and strike rate that speak volumes of his potential—97.0 and 194.0, respectively.
While this story captures a snapshot of Rinku Singh’s evolving cricketing narrative, the underlying message of mental fortitude, as emphasized by Dhoni’s advice, is universal across the sporting landscape. As India gears up for the challenges ahead, including the World Cup 2023, Rinku’s promising career and the mentorship he received from a cricketing icon will undoubtedly be part of captivating discussions among fans and pundits alike.
For cricket enthusiasts eager to stay updated on the World Cup 2023 and forthcoming matches, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, along with apps, provide dynamic ways to connect with the game and its stars. Rinku’s emergence and Dhoni’s enduring legacy offer compelling storylines as Indian cricket continues to groom its next generation of match-winners.