NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Rinku Singh. Harbhajan, who played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is for India, said an India call-up is not far away for the explosive middle-order batter.
“That India cap is not far away from Rinku’s head. He’s such an inspirational player. He’s run all the hard yards and worked very hard to get to where he is today. Full credit to him for having that belief in himself. His journey is a life lesson and all young kids should learn from him,” Harbhajan Singh said while speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live.
IPL 2023: Kolkata face under-pressure Rajasthan at Eden Gardens
Rinku has played 11 matches in the IPL 2023 so far and scored 337 runs at an average of 56.17. He has batted with an astonishing strike rate of 151.12, including two half-centuries.
Kolkata Knight Riders, who are set to take on Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, have 10 points from the 11 matches so far, winning five matches. They have two more games in hand against Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants as they fight for a place in the Playoffs.
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KKR vs RR IPL 2023: Kolkata take on Rajasthan, aim to break into top-4
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<p>A resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look for their third victory in a row in their fight for survival when they face a struggling Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an IPL match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Facing must-win scenarios, the two-time champions showed tremendous resilience to bounce back into reckoning after their wins over Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, both in dramatic last-ball finishes.<br /></p>
<p>The wins have not only boosted their sagging morale but also taken the side to sixth place from eighth on the points table. As things stand, four teams including KKR and RR are locked on 10 points in a mid-table traffic rush for the playoffs.<br /></p>
<p>RR may be ahead on net run rate (NRR) but the equation could change quickly if KKR continue their winning run, as a victory for either side will take them into the top-four.<br /></p>
<p>While KKR are high on confidence after two thrilling wins, the Royals would be at their lowest ebb after three defeats. The Royals had posted 200-plus totals but were done in by some baffling strategies in two of their three losses, which has led to a must-win scenario for them as well.<br /><br /></p>
<p>In terms of key battles and team strategies, KKR would once again rely on Varun Chakravarthy, who has been the central character in both their previous wins. Having defended nine runs in the last over against SRH, Chakravarthy’s 3/26 made all the difference against Punjab Kings.<br /></p>
<p>At a time when their seasoned slow bowler Sunil Narine is finding it difficult to get wickets, Chakravarthy has emerged as KKR’s spin spearhead with 17 wickets so far this season. While KKR’s think-tank refuses to give up on Narine who has just one wicket in the last eight matches, it’s Chakravarthy’s four overs which would again be crucial.<br /></p>
<p>With the KKR team management not bowling World Test Championship final-bound Shardul Thakur against PBKS, the pace department looked woefully short on experience.<br /></p>
<p>It remains to be seen if KKR utilise the services of a ‘fit-again’ Shardul in the crunch match. Against a batter-heavy Royals with the likes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in fine form, KKR would hope their bowlers get their act together.<br /><br /></p>
<p>The biggest positive for KKR in their win over PBKS has been the return to form of the big-hitting Andre Russell (42 runs off 23 balls). The Jamaican was at his vintage best when he demolished Sam Curran with three sixes in a match-flipping 20-run penultimate over.<br /></p>
<p>While skipper Nitish Rana has been the backbone of their batting, Rinku’s emergence as a finisher is coming off well for the team.<br /><br /></p>
<p>From the Royals’ perspective, the trio of Rana, Rinku and Russell would be their main threats. Their battle against the Royals’ spin-bowling stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal in the middle overs could prove to be decisive.<br /></p>
Rinku has played a vital role in IPL 2023 and KKR will be hoping that he will continue to fire in the remaining matches too. KKR need to win the match against the Sanju Samson-led Royals, who have lost four of their last five games. A loss against KKR will dent Rajasthan Royals’ playoffs prospects.
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif also praised Rinku for taking his game to the next level with his maturity in the glittering tournament.
“Rinku Singh has that maturity. His footwork is very good and he looks to rotate strikes as well. Rinku knows how to convert his form into good knocks and also knows when to shift gears. He is capable of hitting big shots as well,” Kaif said.
