“I watch Rinku Singh bat during India’s matches on TV,” said Andre Russell

Rinku Singh was being awaited by Andre Russell. His grin conveyed a message. sense of contentment and pride. However, he exercised enough caution to avoid interfering with the child’s spotlight moment. Dre-Russ, KKR’s big-hitting all-rounder from the West Indies, was more than content to finish second. To Rinku, the night belonged. And Russell moved when the left-hander approached the dugout with the Eden Gardens crowd roaring in approval. He bowed and hugged Rinku like a bear. If ever an image could convey a thousand words.

Russell has been keeping a careful eye on his KKR teammate’s ascent. Russell currently watches a Twenty20 international match involving India primarily to see Rinku bat after witnessing the young player working hard in the nets and trying his hardest to be a team player. “I’ve been watching the games (India vs Australia T20Is) and if I miss something, I tune into the highlights and it’s mostly for Rinku,” Russell stated.

This comes as no surprise to Russell at all. He claims Rinku always had it in him and that as he gains more experience at the greatest level, he would only become better. “I don’t find Rinku’s actions surprising. Years ago, he became a member of KKR. We could see his potential every time he batted in the nets or during practice sessions.

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He was able to make those massive shots. But having that chance, doing well on a large stage, winning games after games in the Indian Premier League, and finishing strong gives him the confidence that every player wants. He’s been an amazing member of the squad. Seeing someone so young, with such a strong love for the game, perform so admirably while donning the blue, is encouraging.

And as the years pass, I believe he will continue to develop and become an even better player,” he added.