Rinku Singh credited former India captain MS Dhoni for his advice after the youngster slammed a brisk 29-ball 53-run knock laced with 5 boundaries and three huge maximums. Rinku Singh‘s knock helped the Indian team score 221/9 before they restricted Bangladesh to a total of 135/9 to pick up an 86-run victory in Delhi.
In the sporting arena, where careers turn on a knife’s edge and form are as fleeting as it is crucial, Rinku Singh knows a thing or two about redemption. A few months ago, Rinku Singh was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad—a decision that puzzled fans, analysts, and cricket legends alike. But for Rinku Singh, it was just another chapter in a larger, more divine script. After all, as his new tattoo reminds him, it’s all “God’s Plan.”
Rinku Singh’s career shaping up after missing the T20 World Cup
After setting Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium ablaze with a 26-ball fifty, Rinku Singh pointed to his tattoo that reads “God’s Plan,” then gazed up at the sky like he knew the universe had his back.
Since bursting onto the scene in last year’s IPL, Rinku Singh quickly became a vital part of India’s white-ball setup. Known for his ability to soak up pressure and launch blistering counter-attacks when the team is in trouble, Rinku excelled as a finisher in the Afghanistan and South Africa series. His game was versatile—equally strong against both pacers and spinners—and unlike some batters who take time to settle, Rinku Singh could go on the attack from the get-go.
Despite these skills, Rinku Singh missed out on a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, as the team leaned towards having more all-rounders. The final choice came down to Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, with Axar getting the nod for his all-round abilities and recent form.
Cut to Wednesday night at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where India found themselves teetering at 41 for 3 against Bangladesh. The crowd, once roaring, fell into an uneasy silence. But in walked Rinku, a man seemingly unfazed by pressure or expectation, ready to turn the tide. What followed was a blistering display of power and timing, as Rinku sent the ball crashing over the boundary ropes and Bangladesh’s bowling attack into a spiral.
It wasn’t just a redemption story; it was a statement. Facing a low full-toss from Tanzim Hasan, Rinku Singh launched the ball over third man, bringing up his fifty with the kind of casual flair that only he can pull off. As the ball sailed away, Rinku Singh raised his bat, pointed to the sky, and tapped the fresh ink on his arm. His tattoo, inscribed with “God’s Plan” inside a ring, seemed to shine brighter than ever under the Delhi floodlights. This wasn’t just about runs; it was about purpose.
Rinku Singh’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. It’s been a ride of highs and lows, from IPL glory to World Cup disappointment, but the man’s resolve has never wavered. His new tattoo, which he got inked in September, carries more than just words.
The straight lines inside the ring symbolize the five unforgettable sixes he smashed off Yash Dayal in the IPL—sixes that catapulted him into stardom. That night against Gujarat Titans is still fresh in the minds of cricket lovers, but for Rinku Singh, it’s simply part of a grander narrative, one written by something bigger than cricket itself.
Partnering with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who notched his maiden fifty in spectacular fashion, Rinku Singh turned the match on its head. The pair added fireworks to what was shaping up to be a damp squib for India, propelling the side to a commanding total. Nitish, too, was brilliant, piling on 74 runs off just 34 balls in an innings peppered with boundaries and sixes. Together, they made sure India wasn’t just in the game—they were dominating it.
But the match was about more than just stats or milestones. It was about Rinku’s calm, about his ability to remain composed when the chips are down—a trait he credits to his mentor, MS Dhoni.
Rinku Singh opens up on bailing India out of trouble in IND vs BAN 2nd T20I 2024
After India’s second T20I against Bangladesh in Delhi on October 9, Rinku Singh said conversations with former captain MS Dhoni have helped him remain calm in tough situations. After brushing aside the visitors with ease in the first T20I in Gwalior, the Men in Blue were in early trouble at 41/3 in the sixth over when Rinku walked out to bat during the second match.
However, the 26-year-old showed no signs of panic and combined with Nitish Reddy to add a game-changing 108 runs off 48 deliveries for the fourth wicket to bail India out.
Rinku finished with 53 off 29 balls, including five boundaries and three maximums, to help India post a massive 221/9 in their 20 overs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation about his crucial knock, Rinku said (as quoted by Cricbuzz):
“I keep telling myself to remain calm in tough situations. It comes naturally to me as I have been playing at this position for a long time. I practice accordingly as well. I have talked a lot regarding this with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) which has helped. When you lose 3-4 wickets, you need to have self belief.”
He added:
“We ((partnership with Nitish Kumar) just wanted to build a partnership as the wicket was slightly slow, rotate strike and punish the bad balls. The momentum swung after that free-hit (off Mahmudullah) and Nitish gained a lot of confidence.”
While Nitish finished with 74 from 34 deliveries in only his second outing for India, Rinku Singh’s half-century was his third in T20Is. The southpaw averages a stunning 58.87 in 25 T20I games at a strike rate of 175.09.
Rinku Singh’s heroics propel India to a crushing series victory
After Rinku Singh and Nitish Reddy’s onslaught, the Indian bowlers dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup in the second innings.
The visitors started positively at 20/0 in the third over before Arshdeep Singh struck to open the floodgates. It was one-way traffic from that moment as India reduced Bangladesh to a dismal 46/4 in the seventh over. A brief partnership between Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope before another flurry of wickets sealed their fate.
The hosts eventually restricted Bangladesh to 135/9 in 20 overs to complete a comprehensive 86-run victory. India took an unassailable 2-0 series lead and will look to whitewash the visitors with a win in the final T20I in Hyderabad on Saturday, October 12.
Ever since his IPL heroics, Rinku Singh has been India’s go-to man in high-pressure situations. His ability to launch counter-attacks and finish games is rare, and his numbers back it up. With 471 runs from 25 T20Is at an average of 58.87 and a strike rate of 175.09, Rinku’s brilliance is undeniable. And yet, the selectors opted for all-rounders like Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup, leaving Rinku on the sidelines. But for Rinku Singh, that’s just part of the bigger picture, one he’s fully embracing.
Wednesday night in Delhi, though, was proof that God’s plan for Rinku Singh is still very much in motion. He’s not thinking about the World Cup miss anymore—he’s too busy rewriting his own destiny, one boundary at a time.