'Hero of KKR' - Ravi Shastri Demands 'This Player' To Be Fast-Tracked
Rinku Singh [Image- IPLT20]
Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has heaped high praise on the highly impressive left-handed batsman, Rinku Singh, terming the Uttar Pradesh-lad as the 'hero' of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
In what has been a rather forgettable season for the Knight Riders, Rinku has been a lone shining light.
The southpaw made heads turn earlier in the season when he smashed 5 consecutive sixes in the final over to lead his team to a stunning win over defending champions Gujarat Titans.
Rinku also scripted a thrilling final over win over Punjab Kings last week, hammering an unbeaten 21* (10) to get his team past the finishing line.
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Shastri reckoned that Rinku has a very strong temperament and that he is someone who relishes tough situations.
The former Team India coach also called for his fast-tracking into the national T20I team ahead of the 2024 World Cup.
Here's what Ravi Shastri said:
Rinku Singh is the hero of Kolkata Knight Riders. His temperament is very strong and gets very comfortable in tough situations. He's a battle-hardened player. Rinku likes close matches and this ability to do well in crunch situations is what separates this player from others,"
"If Team India is focussing on the ODI World Cup, the selectors should focus on giving maximum opportunities to youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh. These players should be fast-tracked and selected for next year's T20I in West Indies. Can be groomed for the World Cup. If the selectors don't pick him now, I don't know what else they are looking for,"
In 12 matches thus far, Rinku has racked up 353 runs at an average of 50.43 and a blistering strike rate of 146.47.
 "Yash Mittal")
