3 Times Rinku Singh Played Match Winning Knocks For KKR In IPL

Rinku Singh is a mystery that defies explanation. Rinku is a domestic ‘clutch monster’ who can win matches seemingly out of nowhere.

He is the face of every rural Indian who aspires to play professional cricket. Rinku personifies the concept that if you believe in yourself and your ability, you will never be down and out.

Rinku Singh rose to prominence as a “lone warrior” for his outstanding batting achievements for his state side Uttar Pradesh (UP). When there is a problem, UP always finds Rinku to be their rescue.

Hence, despite going unsold in the early years, when KKR signed him in the IPL 2018 auction, anybody who follows domestic cricket knew they had struck gold with him as a finisher.

Rinku has been a cult figure throughout his 18-inning IPL career, with some spectacular and astonishing knocks.

On that point, here is a list of Rinku’s three finest innings for KKR, demonstrating why he is one of India’s future stars.

 42*(23) vs RR, IPL 2022

Chasing a tough 153 on a two-paced surface, KKR appeared to be in trouble after the 13th over, with the scoreboard showing 96/3.

Admittedly, the total was modest, but given KKR’s brittle batting and Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) formidable bowling unit, the chase was always going to be difficult.

Then there’s Rinku Singh, who hasn’t accomplished much with the few opportunities he’s had. This was his opportunity to show that he belonged at this level.

He also did not disappoint. He wisely picked his bowlers and overs to attack by combining prudence with controlled aggressiveness.

He destroyed Kuldeep Sen and Yuzvendra Chahal and finished the chase with Nitish Rana remaining not out with a score of 42 off just 23 deliveries.

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40(15) against LSG, IPL 2022

Rinku almost rained on the parade of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) if it hadn’t been for a late screamer from Evin Lewis, which saw the Kolkata Knight Riders lose the IPL 2022 thriller by two runs.

KKR were assigned a lofty aim of 211 to be in contention for the playoffs. KKR appeared to be done and dusted at 142/5 in 15.4 overs, still needing 69 runs off 26 deliveries.

Nevertheless, Rinku Singh and Sunil Narine gave the run chase fresh life by blazing fours and sixes at will, reducing the equation to 21 runs required off six deliveries.

Rinku smashed a four, two sixes, and a double in the first four balls of the last over, reducing the equation to an easy three off two deliveries with four wickets remained.

Evin Lewis’s one-handed grab at the deep backward point zone, though, ended Rinku’s diligent inning on 40 off 15.

Rinku Singh was in tears after being out, displaying how much pride he takes in winning matches for his team.

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48*(21) against GT, IPL 2023

Whether you believe in fairytales or not, Rinku Singh’s knock has inscribed his name in gold letters in the history of the IPL and will be remembered forever and ever.

KKR had little chance of winning this game when chasing 205 against Gujarat Titans (GT) following a sudden collapse, all courtesy to Rashid Khan’s hat-trick in the 17th over when they needed 50 from four overs.

Rinku was powerless as his colleagues went dejectedly to the pavilion, with him batting on three out of six balls.

He held off till the 18.4 overs were up, with the side requiring 39 off eight deliveries. A seemingly impossible and difficult job. Rinku Singh didn’t think so. What followed next was legendary.

He blasted Joshua Little for a six and a four, bringing the total to 29 from six balls, with Umesh Yadav on strike for the first delivery of the final over.

Umesh delivered a crucial strike to Rinku on the first pitch, and the southpaw smacked 30 runs off five balls.

He smashed five sixes one after the other, winning the contest for his side and inspiring others to say, “Remember the name, Rinku Singh.”

Also Read: IPL 2023: Points Table, Orange Cap And Purple Cap Leaders After SRH vs PBKS (cricfiles.com)