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Rinku Singh is expected to make his T20I debut when Jasprit Bumrah-led India take on Ireland on August 18. Rinku found a place in the second-string side on the basis of a standout run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
"It's a good feeling because every player's dream is to play for India. When I saw my jersey No.35 after reaching my room, I became emotional. The thing I was working hard for was finally here," Rinku said in an interaction with teammate Jitesh Sharma for BCCI.tv.
“I was in Noida, in the place where I practiced. When the team was announced, it felt really good. I called my mother and informed her. She always said that I had to play for India so both of our dreams came true,” the 25-year-old added.
Alongside Rinku, Jitesh is expected to make his T20I debut as well. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter’s strike rate during IPL 2023 impressed many and many former cricketers backed him to play for India.
“Obviously, I feel great. It’s always a nice experience when you travel with the Indian team to any foreign country. It’s an opportunity and our responsibility to express ourselves,” Jitesh said.
Jitesh scored 309 runs from 14 games at an average of 23.77 and a strike rate of 156.06 in IPL 2023. On the other hand, Rinku ended the season as the top run-scorer for KKR. The southpaw scored 474 runs from 14 matches at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.53. He scored four half-centuries. However, his standout performance came against Gujarat Titans (GT) when he hit left-arm pacer Yash Dayal for five consecutive sixes in the final over to win the match.
The T20I series also marks the return of Bumrah who has been out of international cricket for nearly 11 months. If Bumrah proves his match fitness against the Irish side, it will be a massive boost for India’s ODI side as Rohit Sharma is missing his tearaway pacer ahead of ODI World Cup 2023.
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