Rinku Singh, who has played for the second-string Indian team in T20Is against Ireland and Australia after the ODI World Cup, is set to play under head coach Rahul Dravid for the first time. India is working on building their T20 World Cup squad for the event scheduled in June 2024.
Rinku Singh Is Excited To Play Under Rahul Dravid
During the home series against Australia, Rinku Singh aimed to establish himself as a finisher in India’s T20I team. He scored 105 runs in four innings, facing 60 balls at a strike rate of 175. His innings included 13 boundaries and four sixes.
Speaking on BCCI.tv in a video released on their social media handle, Rinku shared the message he received from Dravid as he aims to secure his spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad during the next three matches.
“Working with Rahul sir is a great feeling. His message was simple, ‘Do what you have been doing so far and believe yourself.’ He said your position is No. 5 where batting is not easy but keep believing in yourself,”
He added: “I’ve been playing at No. 5 since 2013. I played for UP at the same position and I know it’s not easy. You have to bat when the top 3-4 batters are out and you need to put a partnership. So, I try to keep myself calm as much as I can,”
Shubman Gill Teased Rinku
Rinku also discussed fitness in the interview, emphasizing that he has focused on it for a long time and always recognized its importance in high-level cricket. Gill playfully suggested, coming from behind, whether it was because a monkey bit him.
“Bajrang Bali ka bhakt hu” – Rinku
Rinku also shared that he, along with five of his teammates, often sits together and pulls each other’s leg to let off some steam. He said:
“me, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Jitesh Sharma, we all enjoy together. It’s very important to enjoy off the field.”
The batter also added that he enjoys listening to Bajrang Bali’s songs in his room as he is a devout follower of the God., he revealed:
“Ma toh Bajrang Bali ka bhakt hu, unke ke ganne sunta rehte hu apne room me”,
For the unversed, in October, while participating in the Asian Games 2023, Rinku donated 11 lakh rupees in fees for temple construction. Coming from humble beginnings, the batsman is known for his generosity, helping those in need. Prior to this, Rinku had also donated 50 lakh rupees to build a cricket academy and hostel for underprivileged players.
Watch the video:
First practice session in South Africa 👍
Interaction with Head Coach Rahul Dravid 💬
Fun, music & enjoyment with teammates 🎶In conversation with @rinkusingh235 👌 👌 – By @RajalArora
P. S. – Don’t miss @ShubmanGill‘s special appearance 😎
Full Interview 🎥 🔽 #TeamIndia |… pic.twitter.com/I52iES9Afs
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 9, 2023
Both Rinku and Shubman Gill are likely to play in the first match. Rinku has been in good form in T20Is, while this would be Gill’s first international appearance since the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
