NEWS
Follow UsIndian cricket’s latest sensation Rinku Singh has credited former international Suresh Raina for his rise and has revealed that the now-retired Raina is the single biggest reason for his growth as a cricketer, with the 36-year-old helping him in all aspects of his career, including financially.
Rinku came into the limelight following a sensational IPL 2023 and the breakthrough season helped him make his way into the Indian T20I side. He started his international career off with good cameos against Ireland and Nepal (Asian Games) but went up a level earlier this week, registering a statement knock against Australia, smashing a 14-ball 22* to take India over the line in a chase of 209.
In an interview with Times of India, the 26-year-old spoke about the role Raina has played in his cricketing career.
"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 told TOI.
“He helped me with the bat, pads and everything I needed while playing cricket. He has sent almost everything without asking or saying anything. He is everything for me. Whenever I am in doubt, I call Raina bhaiya. He is more than a big brother to me.”
Rinku revealed that Raina has also played a big role in his evolution as a batter. The left-hander credited the former India man for teaching him how to handle pressure.
“He has taught me how to handle pressure," Rinku said.
"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.”
For the longest time, Rinku was seen as just a ‘talented batter’ but the game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad earlier this year skyrocketed his stocks to a whole different level. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) needed 28 off 5 balls but Rinku took his side over the line by smashing Yash Dayal for a staggering five consecutive sixes.
“Yes, those five sixes changed my life,” the 26-year-old said of the Gujarat Titans encounter.
“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. My team praised me a lot," Rinku said.
Those five sixes helped Rinku make his way into the Indian side, and he is now striving to be a starter in the T20I XI. The 26-year-old asserted that he is ‘ready’ to be a regular at the international level and revealed that his dream is to represent the Indian side at the World Cup.
"Yes. I am ready. I don't think much about the future. If I get the chance, I will surely grab it and do well. Be it any format or anywhere in the world, if I get the chance I will give my hundred percent," he said.
"It will be a big big thing for me. I am the only male cricketer from Aligarh to play in IPL and India as well. This is a huge thing for me. Every cricketer's dream is to play for India and represent the country in the World Cup. I am also living this dream.
“I don't know how I will react when I see my name in the World Cup squad. But I will wait for that day. I am really working hard towards that goal," Rinku said.
