IPL 2023: I had faith in him to finish the game on the last ball – Andre Russell showers praise on Rinku Singh

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell had full faith in Rinku Singh to get the job done on the final ball when two runs were required against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday. Andre Russell and Rinku Singh added a fine alliance of 54 runs off just 27 balls for the fifth wicket to help their team register a five-wicket win.

Russell added the finishing touches as he scored 42 runs from 23 balls with the help of three fours and as many maximums. However, he also got the support from KKR’s newfound hero, Rinku Singh as the left-hander played a brilliant cameo of 10-ball 21.

Six runs were needed off the final over after Russell took Sam Curran for 20 runs in the penultimate over. But Arshdeep Singh made it difficult for Russell and Rinku to finish off the game and took the match to the last ball, with two required.

However, Rinku kept his nerves in the end and smashed a four to help his team get over the line in a thrilling contest. Rinku has been in terrific form in the ongoing season as the southpaw has scored 337 runs in 11 innings at an average of 56.17 and a blistering strike rate of 151.12 and he is the leading run-getter for KKR this season.

Meanwhile, Andre Russell was awarded Player of the Match for his blistering knock. He said in the post-match presentation, “Rinku 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.”

He added, “I have company at the back end, he soaks the pressure off and he’s been here for years now, a really hard-working guy. He’s very funny outside the field, I try to stay as close to him while we are training.”

Russell and Rinku were brilliant for KKR towards the fag end of the innings and they deserve a lot of credit for the team’s win. Meanwhile, earlier in the match, KKR mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy bowled a brilliant spell of 3-26 in his quota of four overs. Chakravarthy accounted for Liam Livingstone, Rishi Dhawan, and Jitesh Sharma in his fine spell.

Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday.