Rinku Singh yet again turned heads with his swashbuckling batting in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last league match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday (May 21). However, Rinku's blitzkrieg of 67 off 33 couldn't come handy for KKR as they lost the match by just one run and hence got eliminated from playoffs race. KKR needed 21 runs off the last over and Rinku yet again unleashed the beast in him but unfortunately ended up on a losing side as despite his full throttle batting the two-time champions fell one run short of winning the match. Rinku has been exceptional throughout the IPL 2023 as he amassed 474 runs in 14 matches at a stunning average of 59.25 and strike rate of 149.53 riding on four cracking half centuries. The Aligarh-based batter also clinched a thriller for KKR against Gujarat Titans after smoking five sixes when his team needed 29 runs off last over.
Gayle heaps praise on Rinku
Meanwhile, IPL's legendary batter Chris Gayle lavished praise on the KKR's batting sensation and said that Rinku is going to get a higher paycheque next year. Gayle also went on to said that the 25-year-old was the best performer for KKR in the sixteenth season of the glitzy league.
"Rinku Singh has done this on a few occasions for KKR before. I am sure next year, he's going to get his paycheque a little higher because he's been the best performer with the bat for KKR," said Gayle.
Notably, Rinku was roped in by KKR in IPL 2023's auction for mere Rs 55 lakh. Certainly the explosive batter has overdelivered for the Kolkata-based franchise and no wonder he will fetch a big deal in the next IPL season.
Former India's ace pacer Zaheer Khan also couldn't hold himself from praising the KKR's star batter.
"If you had to look at a bright spot for KKR this season, it was Rinku Singh. He was standing between LSG and the playoffs and played with a lot of confidence. He's carried himself and the team like that all season long. When you have an accomplished finisher like Russell, and yet he is not being discussed during this season when you speak of KKR. If Rinku Singh has been able to move a name like that to the back, just goes to show how good his season has been for him," Zaheer said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Rinku Singh's numbers are frightening: Kevin Pietersen hails KKR batter as best finisher of IPL 2023
IPL 2023: What a finisher India have got in Rinku Singh, Sreesanth lauds KKR batter after knock vs LSG
