For Rinku Singh, Raipur isn’t just another cricket ground—it’s where he turned heads with a match-defining innings. The second T20I between India and New Zealand at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium on Friday revives those glory moments.
Back on December 1, 2023, India faced Australia in Raipur’s sole prior T20 fixture. Rinku’s aggressive 46-run blitz—29 balls, four fours, two sixes—set the tone for India’s 174. The team defended it brilliantly, bowling out Australia for 154 to clinch a 20-run triumph.
Rinku’s hot streak continued in Nagpur’s first T20, where he remained not out on 44 from just 20 deliveries, peppered with fours and sixes. This resurgence cements his role as a clutch performer in the lower middle order, vital ahead of the T20 World Cup.
With a 1-0 series lead, India is poised for glory in Raipur. Sealing 2-0 would make them overwhelming favorites. Earlier ODI contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Rinku were promising, alongside Suryakumar’s 32 and Hardik’s 25. Yet, Samson, Kishan, and Dube faltered—expect one to fire big here.
Sharper fielding and disciplined bowling are key. Rinku’s venue affinity might just propel India to another memorable win.
