In a thrilling encounter during the first T20I between India and Australia, Rinku Singh emerged as the hero for India, securing a last-ball victory with a stunning six. However, the story goes beyond the cricket field, as the warm embrace between Rinku and coach Abhishek Nayar revealed a deeper connection.
The high-pressure scenario unfolded in the final over of the match, with India chasing a challenging total of 209. Losing three wickets in three balls, the equation came down to one run off the final delivery. Sean Abbott, eyeing four wickets in four balls, faced Rinku Singh, who was on strike.
The match’s dramatic conclusion saw Abbott bowling a no-ball, giving Rinku the opportunity to seal the victory with a powerful six over long-on. The subsequent embrace between Rinku and Abhishek Nayar caught the attention of fans, prompting cricketer-commentator Dinesh Karthik to share the heartwarming backstory.
The connection between Nayar and Rinku dates back to 2018 during their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). According to Karthik, Nayar identified Rinku’s potential early on and believed that he was destined for something special. Hailing from a small town in Aligarh, Rinku needed a shift in mindset, and Nayar played a crucial role in fostering that change while fine-tuning his death-hitting skills.
Karthik took to Twitter to express his thoughts, stating, “Today when I see this photo, I just feel like Nayar as a coach has grown in stature and can share the happiness he feels for Rinku along with the rest of the world.”
The veteran cricketer went on to reveal Nayar’s support during Rinku’s challenging times, including an ACL injury. Nayar’s influence extended to convincing KKR’s Venky Mysore to include Rinku in the team, providing him with the opportunity to travel and stay with the squad. Post-IPL, Rinku spent months at Nayar’s house for rehabilitation, working on his batting skills, leading to a stellar domestic season and eventually showcasing his match-winning finishing abilities on the world stage.
The heartening tale of mentorship and resilience highlights the crucial role coaches like Abhishek Nayar play in nurturing and guiding young talents, ultimately contributing to their success on the cricketing stage.
