Numbers that define Rinku Singh's stature in T20 cricket
Budding batter Rinku Singh found no spot in India's 15-member squad for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, starting June 1. Rinku has been named as a traveling reserve alongside Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed. The left-handed batter, who emerged as India's mainstay middle-order T20I batter, has finished several crunch games so far. Here are the T20 numbers that define his stature.
Best T20I batting average (minimum 15 matches)
Rinku has racked up 356 runs from 15 T20Is since making his international debut in August last year. He averages an incredible 89, the best in T20I cricket among batters to have played at least 15 matches. Rinku is also one of the few batters with a strike rate of over 175 (176.23) in the shortest international format.
Two rescuing fifties from Rinku
Each of Rinku's two T20I fifties have come in clutch moments. He slammed his maiden T20I half-century in the Gqeberha T20I against South Africa last year. His 39-ball 68* powered India to 180/7 after they were down to 55/3. Rinku next scored a 39-ball 69* against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, rescuing India from 22/4. Rinku and centurion Rohit Sharma then took India to 212/4.
Seven unbeaten scores in 11 innings
Rinku has played 11 innings for India in T20Is. He has been dismissed just four times (once in single figures). His T20I scores so far - 38(21), 37*(15), 22*(14), 31*(9), 46(29), 6(8), 68*(39), 14(10), 16*(9), 9*(9), and 69*(39).
Five sixes in an over (IPL)
In IPL 2023, a record-breaking run-chase made Rinku a household name. He became the only batter to hammer five sixes in the last over of an IPL run-chase. Rinku helped Kolkata Knight Riders beat Gujarat Titans after 28 runs were needed off the last five balls. Yash Dayal was on the receiving end. KKR chased down 205 with four required on the final ball.
Strike rate of over 200 in death overs
It is worth noting that Rinku has a strike rate of 208.38 in death overs (last four) in T20 cricket. He averages 37.27 in this regard. The left-hander has struck 52 fours and 48 sixes in the last four overs.
