Rinku Singh Journey: Rinku Singh, who won Kolkata Knight Riders by hitting 5 consecutive sixes in the IPL 2023 season, made his debut for Team India against Ireland. However, Rinku Singh did not get a chance to bat in the first match. After the Ireland series, Rinku Singh has been selected in the Indian team for the Asian Games. However, we spoke to Rinku Singh’s coach Fasahat Ali on Rinku Singh’s debut and upcoming matches. During this, we tried to understand the personality of Rinku Singh along with his on the field and off the field mindset.
Abhinav Azad- How was your reaction when Rinku got a place in Team India… Did you think all this would happen so soon?
Fasahat Ali- I did not think that the call for Team India would come so soon. However, the way he was playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Especially, after hitting 5 sixes in 5 consecutive balls against Gujarat Titans, it started to be thought that this player can be included in the T20 team. After this inning, it seemed 100 percent that he should definitely get a place in the Indian T20 team.
Abhinav Azad- What difference do you find between Rinku Singh and other cricketers who play with him? How is Rinku different from the rest?
Fasahat Ali- Rinku Singh’s taluk is from a very ordinary family. His academics is not very good. Because of this, Rinku Singh always knew that he could do well only in cricket. He has only one option, cricket. Because of this, he did a lot of work on cricket. Rinku never let his shortcomings come in the way. Along with this, Rinku Singh knows very well that one has to play cricket well, but at the same time discipline is very important. This player knows very well where and where work needs to be done. As a cricketer, it is very important to have your body language right.
Abhinav Azad- You talked to Rinku before IPL… what was the last message you gave to Rinku?
Fasahat Ali- I know there is a different pressure of playing in IPL. Especially, if you are playing at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, there is a lot of enthusiasm among the fans for their team. If you do not have much experience then you will feel pressured to play in such places. I told Rinku Singh before IPL that you should play IPL matches like club cricket… don’t think that I am playing in IPL. If you think that you are playing in IPL then the pressure will increase, just have to enjoy your game. Crowd is the biggest pressure in IPL.
Abhinav Azad- What is special in Rinku Singh as a cricketer?
Fasahat Ali- Everyone knows that Rinku can easily hit sixes and fours, but his thinking about cricket is commendable. You must have seen that this time when Rinku was coming to bat in IPL, he was running single-double first. Because he knows that he can hit sixes and fours whenever he wants. He wants to read and know the mood of the pitch at the beginning of his innings. He knows very well that if he gets set at the crease, he will win the match by hitting two sixes in the last two balls. This change was seen in Rinku this time, which is wonderful… It shows his confidence.
Abhinav Azad- Did you think Rinku could win the match by hitting 5 consecutive sixes?
No, no… I didn’t think so at all. I thought that if Rinku Singh played very well, he would score 18-20 runs in the last over, reducing the margin of defeat, but did not think that he would win the match by hitting 5 consecutive sixes. However, when Rinku hit 2 sixes in the first 2 balls, I was convinced that now this boy has gained confidence, and can hit 3 sixes in the last 3 balls. But at that time no one was completely sure, but it definitely seemed that the match could be taken out from here. When Rinku hit the fourth six, I was 100% sure that he would win the match by hitting the last ball for a six.
Abhinav Azad- How does Rinku hit sixes easily? What do you consider as a coach?
Fasahat Ali- Look… Hitting sixes is a passion. Just like hitting sixes was a passion for Yuvraj Singh, in the same way Rinku Singh knows how to hit sixes. Rinku can hit sixes very easily, and he has shown it by doing so.
Abhinav Azad- What are the expectations from Rinku Singh on Ireland tour?
Fasahat Ali- When you play in Ireland or England, it is not easy to score runs because there is a lot of swing and movement on the pitch. So I think it will not be easy for Rinku to score runs on Irish pitches. Especially, against fast bowlers… Also the wickets and conditions of these countries are very different from India’s. But the kind of Indian wicket Rinku has played on, it will not be easy for him to score runs on Ireland’s pitches. Although, I am not saying that he cannot score runs in Ireland, but I know how difficult it is to score runs.
Abhinav Azad- So how can Rinku score runs on Irish pitches?
Fasahat Ali- First of all, you have to get down with a cool mind. After this, according to the conditions there, it will have to be molded quickly. If Rinku does this then he can score runs. I think it is good that his batting did not come in the first match (laughs). I agree that if he adapts himself to the situation, he can score runs… but it needs a lot of focus. I hope he can.
Abhinav Azad- Will team India win gold in the Asian Games and what are the expectations from Rinku?
Fasahat Ali- Team India will definitely win gold medal in Asian Games. I think the Indian A team is far better than the senior teams of other teams. In the Asian Games, we have to fight with teams like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but I believe that if the main team of Pakistan and Sri Lanka also plays, then we will be the strongest contender. Apart from this, the Asian Games are to be held in the Indian sub-continent, the pitches there are like India’s. So I am sure Rinku will score runs. Rinku will not face any problem in batting on these pitches.
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