Former Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle feels Kolkata Knight Riders finisher Rinku Singh will get a massive paycheque in the next edition of the Indian Premier League as he has been the lone bright spot for the two-time champions in this IPL 2023.
Rinku Singh was brought ₹55 lakhs in IPL 2022 auction and was retained by the side for IPL 2023 and has exceeded expectations of the cricketing fraternity with the ability to take the bowlers all around the park and finish the games from nowhere for the two-time champions.
KKR youngster Rinku Singh top-scored with unbeaten 67 runs off 33 balls at a strike rate of 203.03, including four sixes and six boundaries to almost give a scare to Lucknow Super Giants’ spot in the playoffs.
Speaking on Jiocinema, Chris Gayle hailed the UP youngster for his breakthrough season and reckons that he would get a higher paycheque in IPL 2024 for his performance for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Rinku Singh has done this on a few occasions for KKR before. I am sure next year, he’s going to get his paycheque a little higher because he’s been the best performer with the bat for KKR,” Chris Gayle said.
The 25-year-old has been the breakout star in this edition of the Indian Premier League performing consistently for his side playing tough lower down the order. The Southpaw scored 474 runs in 14 matches at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52, with four half-centuries importantly finishing the games for his side from tough situations.
Rinku Singh Was Standing Between LSG And The Playoffs – Zaheer Khan
Former Indian Cricketer Zaheer Khan hailed KKR young batting prospect Rinku Singh for his outstanding knock against LSG, as he played with confidence carrying the team all season long, and lauded him for taking the role of finisher despite having Andre Russell in the team.
“If you had to look at a bright spot for KKR this season, it was Rinku Singh. He was standing between LSG and the playoffs and played with a lot of confidence. He’s carried himself and the team like that all season long,” Zaheer Khan said.
“When you have an accomplished finisher like Russell, and yet he is not being discussed during this season when you speak of KKR. If Rinku Singh has been able to move a name like that to the back, just goes to show how good his season has been for him.”
Rinku Singh has taken up the finisher role of the team as the hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell failed to make an impact in the team, as Rinku has been winning the games single-handedly for his side in IPL 2023.