For the second time in a row, Team India’s Rinku Singh was declared fielder of the series following his commanding performance within the three-match T20I affair with Sri Lanka. The medal for his performances during the earlier five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe was also given to the left-handed batter.
In the third T20I, Rinku played a huge role in Team India’s comeback Super Over victory to wrap up the series at 3-0. However, he only managed to score a single run from two deliveries after being promoted to number four position. But he took two very critical catches and bowled the second last over as well.
He gave away only three runs while picking up two wickets and thereby making sure that India stayed alive on this occasion. Rinku Singh’s explosive fielding has been known since his days with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Now, he has brought the same into Indian colors.
In the last match of the series against Sri Lanka, he took four catches, which were also some of his best moments in the matches. T Dilip, who is the fielding coach, made mention of Rinku’s ability to bounce back during the medal presentation ceremony.
After slipping on the wet outfield, Rinku dropped a catch in the second T20I but did not give up and could catch it when it came back his way, thereby affecting play while he was fielding at ‘hot’ points. Newly appointed assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate conferred upon him the fielding medal.
The previous Dutch all-rounder has collaborated closely with Rinku Singh during his period as a fielding coach with Kolkata Knight Riders. Just like before, Rinku said before unveiling of the medal: ‘God’s plan, baby’. But he wasn’t forced to speak this time; instead, he was congratulated by the coaches amidst loud cheers from other members of the team.
You can watch the medal ceremony here:
𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗧𝗦 | 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 🏅
T20I series win ✅
Any guesses on winner of the fielding medal? 🤔
Find out 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/1gzqQcpmuU
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2024
Rinku Singh wasn’t able to have any effect with the bat during the series as he could only score two runs in two innings and missed his opportunity in the second T20I which was washed out due to rains.
Rinku Singh’s remarkable penultimate over changed the game for India
The Men in Blue had a difficult time during the game. They were bowled out for a meager 30-4 at the power play stage. In the second innings too, though they restricted runs, Sri Lankans were still at an advantage due to their bowlers’ wickets.
Once more the home side suffered another collapse having needed 21 runs from the last three overs. By hitting Khaleel Ahmed for 12 runs in one over they took charge of things again. In preparation for the last over, Rinku Singh took out two well set batsmen – Kusal Perera and Ramesh Mendis – with his part time off spin deliveries.
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