Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) suffered an agonising one-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Eden Gardens Stadium on May 20 (Saturday). Needing 41 runs from the last two overs, Rinku Singh exploded at Eden Gardens and fans were right behind him, urging the left-handed batter to pull off another incredible heist. Rinku whacked three consecutive fours in the first three balls of the 19th over and then smashed a 110-meter six on the fifth delivery. A total of 20 runs came off the penultimate over.
With 20 runs needed off six balls, the explosive batter once again stared at a daunting task, which only got more challenging with 18 runs needed from the last three balls of the game. Rinky smoked the fourth ball a massive six over the cow corner fence and the tension in LSG camp was palpable. On the penultimate ball of the game, the KKR batter failed to get the elevation and settled for a four through extra cover. Rinku deposited the last delivery for another six but his effort went in vain as KKR fell short by one run.
After the game, Rinku reflected on his knock against LSG and admitted that he had a flashback of the moment when he smashed five sixes in the last over against Gujarat Titans while chasing the target on Saturday.
"I was completely relaxed, and thought we would see whatever happens. Yes, the thoughts of hitting five sixes in a row (against Gujarat Titans) did come to my mind. I just missed one ball (to hit a six) and it turned out to be a four," said Rinku in the post-match media interaction after their one-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants here on Saturday.
The left-handed batter was thoroughly pleased by his performance in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich tournament. The diminutive southpaw is not thinking about a Team India call-up right now and is eager to work on his game in the off-season.
"Anyone will feel great to have a season like this, but I'm not thinking that far that I will get selected to Indian team," he said.
"I will just continue my same routine - practice and gym - after returning home. Names will keep on coming, I will just do my job.
"Everyone at home is really happy. Last year people came to know about me for my cameos. But after hitting those five sixes, I'm getting a lot of respect. Many people now know me. I'm happy but not overjoyed, afterall we couldn't make it," he added.
Rinku ended his tournament with 474 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 149.53.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IPL 2023 Points Table: Three teams vying for one playoff spot on last day of regular season
IPL 2023: Huge blow for RCB ahead of must-win game against GT, star overseas player injured and likely to fly home
