Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) star all-rounder Andre Russell has disclosed the conversation he had with his teammate Rinku Singh during the final over of the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
According to Russell, Rinku had requested him to take a single with just two runs needed off the last two balls. The plan was to level the scores and give Rinku the strike for the final ball, ensuring that he could finish the game with a boundary.
However, things did not go as per the plan, as Russell missed the delivery from Punjab Kings’ pacer Arshdeep Singh and was run out on the non-striker’s end. This meant that the equation now stood at two runs off the final ball. Despite the setback, Rinku remained calm and composed as he took strike for the last ball of the match.
In a dramatic turn of events, Rinku played a spectacular flicked shot towards deep backward square leg and managed to find the boundary, sealing an important victory for KKR. This was reminiscent of his performance earlier in the IPL 2023 season, where he had hit five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans (GT) in a single over.
In a post-match interview, Russell revealed that it was Rinku’s idea to take a single and give him the strike for the final ball. While the plan did not work out, it did not deter Rinku from playing his natural game and winning the match for KKR.
“I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku,” said Russell.
The Jamaican added: “He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball. I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he’s been doing.”
The victory was crucial for KKR’s playoff hopes, and Rinku’s contribution was instrumental in securing it.
