India batter Rinku Singh claimed the man of the match award after playing his very first innings in the India jersey. Singh, who became a household name with his incredible batting ability in the Indian Premier League took a big stride to stake a claim for a more permanent place in the Indian cricket team.
Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach lauded the batter ahead of India’s third and final T20I against Ireland and said that Rinku’s immense self belief sets his apart from the rest. Singh was 15 off 15 batting in the final 5 overs of the 2nd T20I and then launched an incredible attack in the final 12 balls of India’s innings, finishing with 38 off 21 balls.
Nayar spoke about the same and said that he was happy to see Rinku repeat his process which provided him success during the Indian Premier League.
“I was happy and I was not surprised. I was pleased because he did what he had done everywhere. A lot of times when you start playing international cricket, your mindset changes. But this is his strength. He loves to give himself some time before he plays big shots unless the situation demands otherwise,” Nayar said while speaking on Jio Cinema.
“I was very happy that he backed himself and believed that even after playing a run-a-ball, 14 I can capitalise. A lot of people won’t believe that. It takes enormous self belief and Saba would agree that most people at No. 6/7 would come out and start swinging, because they think that if they don’t hit straightaway they would look bad. But to back yourself for 14 deliveries and then take on the bowler and deliver the result that India desired shows a lot of character,” he further added.
Nayar lauded the batter for his maturity and said that Rinku’s transition from domestic and IPL cricket to the national team has been terrific.
“So, for me the performance was good but the character that Rinku Singh showed that the transition is terrific. The maturity and the ease with which he could rotate the singles and then take on the fast bowlers was heartening to see,” Nayar concluded.
India’s 3rd T20I match against Ireland on 23 August has been delayed due to rain.
