On a roll, Rinku looks to cross 1000-run mark
LUCKNOW: In his debut first class match against Punjab, lefthander Rinku Singh amassed almost 100 runs in two innings, including a half-century in 2016, and since then his hunger for runs has been increasing.
While batting at number 5 in 11 innings in nine matches so far, Rinku, who has scored 803 runs with three centuries and three half centuries at an average of 114.71, has set a new mission for himself, including for Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Saurashtra, starting Tuesday.
Rinku, the 21-year-old cricketer from Aligarh, wants to take his score beyond 1000-run mark, and help the side win Ranji Trophy for the second time in history. “I am looking forward to scoring 1000 runs this season and at the same time want to see the team winning Ranji Trophy for the second time,” he said.
“I always feel hungry for runs whenever I go for batting. Even while playing at No. 5, I am enjoying my batting and scoring runs according to the situation,” said Rinku, whose unbeaten 163 against Services remains his season’s best so far.
Rinku, who has always been a successful batsman for Uttar Pradesh even when he played in under-16 and under-19 categories in the past, and is five run short to complete his 1500 runs in Ranji Trophy. I would like to cross the 1000-run mark even in the match against Saurashtra as there is no chance of a comeback as it’s a quarterfinal match,” said Rinku, who even had a knock of 83-run in his debut match for under-16.
“I feel extra energy when I go to bat. I always remain focused to my mission in a match and don’t bother at what number I have been asked to bat. I am always ready to bat at any number and it all depends on team management,” he said.
A regular member of the Kolkata Knight Riders for the last seasons in the Indian Premier League, Rinku’s batting style for the team has been a treat to watch. His tendency of adaptability with the situation has been remarkable and that is why UP’s skipper Akshdeep Nath admires his batting quality.
“Rinku has been one of the biggest strength in team’s middle order, and we all know how good he has been on the ground. We are relying on him much, and I am hopeful that he will let his willow do the talking in the knockout matches too,” said Akshdeep.