‘I do not have words to describe him’ - Nitish Rana heaps praise on Rinku Singh following latter's valiant effort against LSG

The 68th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders and the Krunal Pandya-led Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 20. 

After Lucknow posted 176 runs on the board for Kolkata to chase, the hosts got off to a good start to the run chase as Jason Roy looked to be in the flow. However, after the rest of the top order failed to make an impact, 25-year-old Rinku Singh once again rose to the occasion and played an exceptional innings. Rinku amassed 67* runs in 33 balls and brought his side within touching distance of a victory. 

Despite Rinku’s knock being in vain, Kolkata skipper Nitish Rana came forward to heap praise on the 25-year-old’s ability. In 14 matches, Rinku scored 474 runs for Kolkata. Being the highest run-getter for the side, Rinku made a huge impact on the two-time champions in IPL 2023.

"It feels like all 14 matches. I have spoken about Rinku. I am personally very happy for him (Rinku) and I do not really have words to describe him because the entire world has seen what he can do on a cricket field," Nitish Rana said in the post-match presentation.

Plenty of positives to take from this season: Rana

Furthermore, Rana also reflected on Kolkata’s performances in the IPL 2023, after being eliminated with this loss. The skipper opined that they had a lot of positives to take from the season.

"The result did not go in our favour, but plenty of positives to take from this season and lots to improve as well. We will come back stronger next season. You need to do well in all three departments to compete and finish in the top 4 in the world’s best league. I feel bad because we had the ability to qualify in the top four, and we will work on mistakes and come back better next season," he added.

After Lucknow won their clash against Kolkata by one run, the Krunal Pandya-led side solidified their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. They finished the group stages of the tournament by being placed third in the IPL points table with 17 points from 14 matches.