IND vs AFG: Rinku Singh Thanks MS Dhoni After Solid Knock vs Afghanistan

India’s new cricketing sensation Rinku Singh said that MS Dhoni’s advice during the IPL has helped him to stay calm and composed during thrilling chases in T20I cricket. Rinku Singh has evolved into one of the finest finishers for India in the shortest format. He is one of the few players who have shown a successful and impressive transition from his Indian Premier League (IPL) performances to international cricket.

Speaking to the broadcasters after hitting a brisk 16 in India’s six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first T20I of the three-match series in Mohali, Rinku Singh recalled having a chat with MS Dhoni during IPL 2023. He said that the former World Cup-winning skipper gave him a piece of advice on how to remain calm and composed during high-pressure chases.

“In the last IPL, I spoke to Mahi bhai. He told me ‘It always helps if you stay calm and focus on the present and don’t show any reaction’. He told me that I should allow the bowler to do his job and then react accordingly to the ball and not anything else,” Rinku Singh said.

“If I think too many things can go wrong for me, so I see play according to the ball that is coming at me,” Rinku added, revealing what has been working for him. Rinku Singh has put himself on the frontrunners’ list for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He is most likely to make it into the World Cup squad as he has been the most consistent performer since his debut last year against Ireland in August 2023.

Rinku Singh Has An Impressive Record In T20Is As Of Now

After a spectacular IPL 2023, Rinku Singh was called up for T20Is and he has made finishing a habit in the recent past. Rinku Singh boasts an impressive record in the shortest format as he has scored 278 runs in just nine innings in T20Is averaging 69.50 with a strike rate of 180.52.

“It has become a habit, I have been able to finish games while batting at this number. Enjoyed batting in the cold a lot. While fielding the ball was hurting and nobody could see much out there. But I enjoyed myself in the middle. I try to talk to myself and tell myself that anything can happen when I bat at No. 6. When I go in, we might need to chase a lot of runs in very little balls. So it helps me if I stay calm,” Rinku added.

Rinku Singh’s most memorable T20I performance has to be his maiden international half-century which came against South Africa at St.George’s Park in Gqeberha. He scored 68 runs off 39 balls which included nine boundaries and his six-hitting capabilities were on full display as one of his maximums shattered the glass of the media house present in the stadium.

Rinku Singh also made his ODI debut in South Africa and was quick to show his skills. He scored 17 on his ODI debut but on his second ODI, he scored 38 off 27 while coming to bat at No.6. His batting prowess in the lower-middle order is something that can make him a great ODI player.