'Eden was screaming Rinku's name instead of Russell's' - Nitish Rana opens up on Rinku Singh's rise in stature

Rinku Singh is having a dream season in IPL 2023, as he has played numerous match-winning knocks for Kolkata Knight Riders this season. He once again guided his team home in their last fixture against Punjab Kings on Monday, May 08, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chasing a target of 180, KKR needed just six runs off the last over with Rinku and Andre Russell at the crease.

However, the equation came down to two needed of the final ball courtesy of some tight bowling by Arshdeep Singh. Rinku once again dazzled under pressure as he smacked the last delivery for a four to fine leg and scripted another memorable win for his side. Exalting Rinku after another incredible finish, KKR captain Nitish Rana said that the entire crowd was chanting his name while he was batting; that’s something that he’s earned this year.

“I just keep telling him, believe in yourself because what you have achieved is something not many people ever will. When he was batting, the whole crowd was chanting 'RINKU, RINKU'. That is what he has earned this year. I've been at this franchise for many years now, I'm used to the Eden crowd screaming 'Russell, Russell' but to hear them shout 'Rinku, Rinku' makes me feel very happy and proud. That's the respect he has earned this season,” said Rana at the post-match presentation.

The Aligarh-born walked to the crease in the 16^th over of the innings, with KKR needing 56 off the last 28 balls to win. He added 54 runs off 27 balls along with Andre Russell for the fifth wicket to bring their side on the verge of a victory. Russell was awarded Player of the Match for his breathtaking knock of 42 off 23 balls, while Rinku remained unbeaten on 21* off ten deliveries.

Varun Chakravarthy continues to be lethal and picked three wickets

Apart from them, captain Nitish Rana scored a brilliant fifty (51 off 38), and Jason Roy scored 38 off 24 balls to help KKR win the match by five wickets. Earlier, in the first innings, KKR restricted Punjab to 179/7, with Varun Chakravarthy claiming three wickets for 26 in his four-over-spell while Harshit Rana scalped 2/33 in three overs.

Following their win, the Nitish Rana-led side is now ranked in the fifth spot with five wins from 11 games. They will next face Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, May 11, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.