Despite his underwhelming performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with just 168 runs in 11 innings at an average of 18.66, Rinku remains optimistic and motivated.
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Although Rinku has played 15 matches and 11 innings for India in T20 cricket since his debut in 2023, scoring 356 runs at an impressive average of 89.00 and a strike rate of 176.24, he has not been able to secure a spot in the main squad for the T20 World Cup.However, this setback has not dampened his spirits, and he remains determined to achieve his goals.
“Since I have played cricket, I have won some trophies at 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,” said Rinku, who will travel to the T20 World Cup as a reserve player, in a video on the IPL website.
“Time is bad for someone who does not have his limbs, I have them. I am not going through a bad time,” added Rinku, displaying his optimism.
Rinku fondly recalled his five successive sixes against Gujarat Titans in the final over bowled by Yash Dayal, which helped KKR secure a thrilling victory in a tense run-chase. He acknowledged that this feat changed his life, leading to increased recognition and opportunities, stating, “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.”
As a finisher in the middle order, Rinku emphasized the importance of remaining calm and reacting to the ball, drawing from his extensive experience playing at the number five or six position.
The 26-year-old batsman 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.”
Looking ahead, Rinku’s KKR are set to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Qualifier one at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, with a direct spot in the final at stake.
(Inputs from ANI)
