Indian skipper Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Rinku Singh after they defeated Afghanistan in the third T20I (in the second Super Over) at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Thursday. In a match that was full of drama, it was India who prevailed and clean swept the series by 3-0.
Meanwhile, Rohit decided to bat first after winning the toss but the decision backfired as the hosts found themselves under the cosh at 22-4. However, Rinku Singh showed he is not a one-trick pony who can only add the finishing touches but he can also play maturely when the chips are down.
The left-hander showed resistance and played calculated shots to give support to his captain. Rohit went on to score his fifth T20I century, the most in the shortest format, as he scored a whirlwind knock of 121 runs off just 69 balls whereas Singh scored an impressive knock of 69 runs off just 39 balls with the help of two fours and six sixes.
The duo added a gargantuan alliance of 190 runs for the fifth wicket and posted a par score of 212 runs on the board. However, Afghanistan came up with a collective batting show to tie the game.
Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation, “ I don’t remember when was the last time this happened. I think I batted 3 times in one of the IPL games. Creating the partnership was important and we (Rinku and I) kept talking to each other to not lose that intent in big games and it was a good game for us to be in, the pressure was there and was important to bat long and deep and not compromise on the intent we want to show.”
He added, “The last couple of series that he played, he showed what he can do with the bat. Very calm and knows his strength pretty well. He is coming off age and doing what is expected of him and he has done really well for India. Augurs well for the team moving forward, wanted someone like that at the backend and we know what he has done in the IPL and he has carried that to the Indian colors as well.”
Rinku Singh has been a big positive for the team and he has batted at his best under pressure. Singh has put his name in contention for the T20 World Cup squad.
India will next take on England in a five-match Test series, starting January 25 at Hyderabad.
