An ecstatic Rinku Singh, celebrating Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) third IPL title victory, expressed his excitement and ambitions, hinting at future successes with the national team. “You guys watch, I will be lifting the World Cup also,” Rinku declared, looking ahead to the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, where he is part of Team India’s reserves.
KKR clinched the IPL 2024 title by dominating Sunrisers Hyderabad with an eight-wicket victory in the final. The team’s consistent batting lineup, including Rinku’s contributions, was a significant factor in their success. Despite playing only 11 innings, Rinku was impactful, scoring 168 runs at a strike rate of 148.67.
Reflecting on the season and the team’s performance, Rinku credited the collective effort and praised team mentor Gautam Gambhir, who returned to the franchise after seven years. “You can’t credit just one person because everyone has worked hard. Since GG (Gautam Gambhir) sir came, a lot of things have changed. Sending Sunil (Narine) early, he batted so well,” Rinku said. He highlighted the contributions of various team members, noting, “The batters played well, and the bowling was great. Venky (Venkatesh Iyer) has been batting really well for the last five-six matches, so overall, everyone has done really well.”
Rinku’s exclusion from India’s World Cup squad sparked discussions, but he remains optimistic, eager to contribute as a reserve player alongside star batter Shubman Gill.
Meanwhile, India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shared personal anecdotes with Shikhar Dhawan on Jio Cinema. Reminiscing about his early cricketing days and his father’s influence. Pant, who returned to professional cricket in the IPL after a severe car accident in December 2022. Recounted how his cricket-loving father gifted him an expensive bat, much to his mother’s dismay. “It was my father’s dream to become a cricketer, and I am glad I could fulfil it. I decided I wanted to be a cricketer when I was in the 5th grade. My dad gifted me a bat worth Rs 14,000, and my mom got super angry,” Pant revealed.
Pant had a notable season with the Delhi Capitals, finishing as their highest run-scorer with 446 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 155.40, including three half-centuries, although the team only secured a sixth-place finish.
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