Cricket News

Ravichandran Ashwin likens Rinku Singh’s composure to World-Cup winning captain

Not long ago, Rinku Singh was just another promising talent, lighting up the Indian Premier League with his fearless finishing for Kolkata Knight Riders. But in the space of a few months, he has transformed into a crucial cog in the Indian T20I machine, steadily staking his claim to a permanent spot in the middle order.

Rinku‘s rise is a testament to his sheer talent and unwavering determination. His IPL exploits, characterized by powerful hitting and calculated calmness under pressure, caught the national selectors’ eye. This earned him a call-up to the T20I squad, initially as a backup option. However, he didn’t take long to prove his worth and he is now all set to be part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.

While his skills are definitely top-notch, what truly sets Rinku Singh apart is his composure. In the frenetic world of elite cricket, where fortunes can change in a single delivery, calmness and composure are often the invisible threads weaving together success. They are the qualities that separate the good from the great, the performers from the champions. And it’s precisely these traits that are propelling Rinku Singh’s meteoric rise.

Rinku Singh embodies composure with an almost zen-like grace. Watch him bat, and you’ll witness a quiet confidence, a stillness at the crease that belies the whirlwind of emotions swirling around him. He doesn’t get flustered by yorkers or enticed by loose deliveries. Instead, he plays each ball on its merit, his decision-making guided by a clear understanding of the game and his own strengths.

“He is somebody I’d call a left-handed Dhoni”

In a recent YouTube video, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sang the praises of rising star Rinku Singh, attributing his meteoric rise to a special brand of consistency. Ashwin went even further, declaring Rinku the “left-handed Dhoni” for his remarkably composed persona under pressure. “He is somebody I’d call a left-handed Dhoni. I can’t compare him to Dhoni just yet because Dhoni is too big. But, I am talking about the composure that he brings. He has been consistently scoring buckets of runs for UP and broke his way into the Indian team,” Ashwin said.

In his video praising Rinku Singh, Ashwin didn’t just hail his cricketing prowess. He also revealed a heartwarming anecdote that sheds light on a lesser-known side of the rising star: his humility and unwavering work ethic. Ashwin narrated how, during Rinku’s early days at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), opportunities to bat were scarce. He often found himself on the bench, watching others take the field. But instead of sulking or feeling discouraged, Rinku chose to contribute differently. He diligently collected balls hit by batsmen during throwdowns, ensuring a smooth flow of practice.

“He was on the KKR bench for many years. People used to tell me that, when he was at KKR, even though he couldn’t get the chance to bat at practice, he collected all the balls that batters hit in throwdowns and gave them back to the bowler,” Ashwin said.

This seemingly simple act speaks volumes about Rinku’s character. It shows his strong work ethic, his willingness to contribute even when not in the spotlight, and his respect for the game and his teammates. This anecdote resonated with fans and cricket experts alike. It showcased Rinku, not just as a skilled cricketer but as a humble and hardworking individual. It also serves as an inspiration to aspiring players, demonstrating that true greatness often lies in unseen efforts and unwavering dedication.