KKR's Rinku Singh Sets Sights on T20 World Cup Glory After IPL Triumph

After securing his maiden IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), batter Rinku Singh is aiming high, setting his sights on replicating this success in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. KKR clinched their third IPL title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Rinku, part of the Indian squad as a reserve player alongside Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan for next month's tournament, expressed his aspirations during an interview with JioCinema on Match Centre Live. "I am headed to Noida first and then I will be going to the United States of America. You guys watch, I will also be lifting the World Cup," said the 26-year-old, who scored 168 runs at a strike rate of 148.67 this season, despite limited opportunities.

Reflecting on KKR's title-winning journey, Rinku emphasized the collective effort of the team. "You can't credit just one person because everyone has worked hard. Since GG (Gautam Gambhir) sir came, a lot of things have changed. Sending Sunil early, he batted so well. The batters played well, and the bowling was great. Venky (Venkatesh Iyer) has been batting really well for the last five-six matches, so overall, everyone has done really well," he said.

In the final, KKR's bowlers excelled, restricting Hyderabad to 113 runs. Andre Russell took three wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Harshit Rana claimed two each. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, including four fours and three sixes, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 39 with five fours and two sixes, helped KKR chase down the target in just 10.3 overs.

Russell shared his excitement about the win and his contribution to the team's success. "When you're part of this squad, even if not playing, supporting the guys all the way, it's always a good feeling. This is a special feeling, being in the XI for the Final and contributing through my leadership and play. It's an exciting and special experience," he said. Reflecting on his batting technique, he added, "It's just me not clearing my front leg too much, standing as still as possible, and waiting as long as possible. Normally, my trigger movement is clearing my left leg, but I tried to keep it as still as possible. So, if the bowler bowls wide, I push straight, and I have access because I am standing on the off-stump."

As KKR basks in their IPL victory, Rinku Singh and his teammates look forward to carrying this momentum into the T20 World Cup, aiming for another historic triumph.