Rinku Singh Credits Gautam Gambhir’s “Keep Hitting” Advice for Vital Knock Against Bangladesh
Indian batter Rinku Singh has revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s advice is simple but effective: “keep hitting.” Gambhir, known for his aggressive approach to the game, is encouraging Indian players to adopt a fearless style of cricket, a message that clearly resonated with Singh during his crucial performance in the second T20I against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Rinku Singh played a vital knock of 53 runs off just 29 balls, helping India recover from a shaky position at 41-3 after 5.3 overs. Partnering with Nitish Kumar Reddy, the left-hander added 108 runs off 51 balls, turning the match in India’s favor. This was Singh’s third T20I fifty, which he reached in just 26 balls, underscoring his ability to handle pressure and deliver in challenging situations.
“Coach and captain have asked us to play our game, whatever the situation is. Maarte jao har ball ko (just keep hitting every ball),” Singh said to reporters after the match. “I have been told to back myself and hit the ball. Gautam bhai has given us the freedom.”
Singh’s young T20I career has been impressive so far, with 471 runs in 25 matches at a remarkable average of 58.88 and a strike rate of 175.09. His aggressive yet calculated style fits perfectly with Gambhir’s vision for the team.
Despite his success on the international stage, Singh didn’t get many opportunities to bat in the IPL 2024 season, where he played for Kolkata Knight Riders under captain Shreyas Iyer. Reflecting on that experience, Singh remained unbothered by his limited chances, focusing instead on the team’s success, as KKR went on to win the title.
“There was no anxiety. The way the team was playing, our matches were getting over early. The important thing was to win,” he said.
The 26-year-old batter emphasized his adaptability, adjusting his game to match the situation at hand. “My batting order is such that there is no fixed time when I will come to bat. If the wicket falls early, then my plan is to keep the scoreboard ticking with ones and twos and wait for the bad balls. If there are only two or three overs left, I try to score as many runs as possible and hit fours and sixes.”
With the series tied, India will look to clinch the third T20I against Bangladesh, set to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday. Singh’s performance, fueled by Gambhir’s aggressive philosophy, will be key as India aims for victory.
