“I follow him and try to copy him” - Rinku Singh talks about his idol and inspiration

Team India batter Rinku Singh has recently said that former India batter Suresh Raina is his idol and inspiration. He also added that he tries to copy and follow Raina and seeks advice from him as well. However, 26-year-old Rinku made headlines following his exploits as a finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. He smashed 474 runs in 14 matches at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.53, with four half-fifties also.

In an interview with timesofindia.com, Rinku Singh opened up on the huge role that Raina has played in his success as well.

“I am a huge fan of Suresh Raina bhaiya. I follow him and try to copy him. He has played a big role in my life and career,” Rinku said. “He helped me with the bat, pads and everything I needed while playing cricket. He has sent almost everything without asking or saying anything. Whenever I am in doubt, I call Raina bhaiya. He is more than a big brother to me.”

“He has taught me how to handle pressure. He says time le, 4-5 ball le, settle ho, fir apne haath khol (Take 4-5 balls to settle down and then shift to top gear). Those tips and learnings helped me a lot during IPL and now for India too,” Rinku Singh further added.

“Those five sixes changed my life” – Rinku Singh on his IPL 2023 heroics against GT

However, in a league match against Gujarat Titans (GT) during IPL 2023, Rinku Singh smashed five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal to become a cricketing sensation overnight. He also added that the five sixes changed his life.

In the match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, KKR required 29 runs off the last over. He slammed five consecutive sixes to lift Kolkata to an unbelievable win.

“It took a while to sink in. Yes, those five sixes changed my life. That match and those five sixes have played a big role in my career. It is not easy to hit five sixes in an over. It is very rare. It was special because my team was chasing and I was the last hope for a win,” Rinku Singh concluded.