IND vs AFG: In the opening match of the three-game T20I series between India and Afghanistan, a thrilling encounter unfolded as Rohit Sharma’s team faced off against the Afghan side. Winning the toss on a chilly evening, Sharma opted to bowl first, and Afghanistan set a competitive target of 158-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
In a successful chase, India reached the target in just 17.3 overs, showcasing their batting prowess. The highlight of the innings was a well-compiled 60-run knock by Shivam Dube, ably supported by Jitesh Sharma, who contributed 31 runs in 20 balls. Rinku Singh, once again proving his mettle as a finisher, played a crucial role by scoring 16 runs off 9 balls. Singh has consistently delivered as a finisher for India in recent months, establishing himself since his debut. The victory in the first T20I sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the series between the two cricketing nations.
Rinku Singh has emerged as a standout performer in domestic cricket, consistently showcasing his prowess with the bat. His breakthrough season came in the IPL 2023 with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he excelled in the role of a finisher, earning recognition for his ability to stay calm under pressure. This stellar performance caught the attention of selectors, leading to his debut for the Indian cricket team in the same year. Since then, Singh has been a reliable finisher for India, displaying remarkable composure and replicating his success at the international level.
Often likened to the legendary MS Dhoni, Singh shares a similar knack for remaining cool and collected in tense situations, crucial for finishing games. His consistent contributions in domestic and international cricket have solidified his reputation as a reliable and effective finisher, making him a valuable asset for the Indian team.
Rinku Singh Credits MS Dhoni For His Finishing Abilities
Rinku Singh, after the game, shared his insights on learning from MS Dhoni. He emphasized that Dhoni, whom he respectfully refers to as “bhaiya” (brother), provided valuable advice on maintaining a calm and composed demeanor while batting in crucial situations, particularly when finishing games. Rinku acknowledged that Dhoni’s guidance had a significant impact on his approach to batting in pressure situations, and he expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from the seasoned cricketer. In essence, Rinku highlighted the importance of staying cool and collected, a quality he attributes to Dhoni’s mentorship, especially when facing challenging moments during a match.
Rinku Singh said "I learned a lot from Dhoni bhaiya – he told me about how to be calm & cool when you bat in this position for finishing games so I learned a lot from him". pic.twitter.com/LdDfEqGM1V
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2024
Rinku Singh said: “I have got a habit of batting at 6 and finishing games, I’m feeling very happy with this job. Enjoyed the cold conditions, it was tough while fielding though. I just try to talk to myself, batting at 6, I don’t have the chance to face too many balls or score too many runs, that’s the thing I keep telling myself. I’ve spoken with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), he just told me to react according to the ball, keep your calm and I just do the same thing. I don’t think a lot while batting, just react to the ball.”
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