Ever since I have hit five sixes, I’ve been getting lot of respect: Rinku Singh

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh has said that he has been getting a lot of respect since he hit five consecutive sixes in an Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL) match against Gujarat Titans (GT). Rinku was outstanding during the match, helping KKR defeat the defending champions by three wickets after hammering five consecutive sixes in the final over. 

Following his exploits against GT, he has been outstanding for KKR in most of their matches. On Saturday, May 20, he came close to winning the game for KKR in their final league stage game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In his team's one-run defeat, the 25-year-old smashed an unbeaten 67 off 33 balls. 

Rinku reflected on a memorable IPL 2023 season during the post-match press conference, stating that people started recognizing him last year when he played a terrific knock against LSG. He added that after smashing five straight sixes this season, he is receiving a lot of respect and that it feels nice to be recognized.

“[My] Family is very happy. People started knowing me last year when I played a good knock [against LSG]. But, ever since I hit five sixes, I’ve been getting a lot of respect. A lot of people are now recognizing me. Feels good," Rinku said

He went on to say that while batting against LSG, he had thoughts about the five sixes he smashed against GT. He added that they needed 21 runs in the final over, but he missed a ball, costing KKR the win.

“Those five sixes were at the back of my mind when I was batting. I was very relaxed and thought I will hit the way I have been doing. We needed 21 runs in the last over. I missed one ball, otherwise, we would have won," he added.

Rinku was the standout performer for KKR in the ongoing IPL season, despite the team failing to qualify for the playoffs. The 25-year-old amassed 474 runs in 14 innings, including four half-centuries, at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52. In addition, he is the highest run scorer for the two-time champions this season.