Rinku Singh shares how MS Dhoni's crucial advice turned the tide for India against Bangladesh

Bangladesh was chasing a target of 222 runs but could only manage to score 135/9 in 20 overs, as Varun Chakravarthy and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up two wickets each to help restrict the opposition.

Initially, half-centuries from Nitish and Rinku saw India post 221/9 in 20 overs. Nitish, who was adjudged as Player of the Match, was batting at no. 4 and slammed 74 runs in 34 balls, packed with four fours and seven sixes. Meanwhile, Rinku hammered 53 off 29 balls, consisting of five fours and three sixes.

Speaking after the match, Rinku credited his love for red-ball cricket as the main factor behind his knock on Wednesday. "I love playing with the red ball. The way I batted right now in this match is similar to how I bat at 5-6 number when wickets fall in domestic games. So, I keep backing myself and focus on scoring runs for the team, pulling the team out of difficult situations," he said.

Rinku shared a 108-run stand with Nitish, off only 49 balls. Rinku praised Nitish's 'intelligence' and said, "There was a no-ball, and he hit a six on the free hit. From there, Nitish’s confidence soared. He batted with great intelligence. We were talking and enjoying a lot as well, and I told him, ‘It’s God’s plan, keep hitting," he said.

Speaking about his future plans, Rinku emphasised, "There is no plan as such for now. Earlier, I started thinking too much, and things weren’t going well. So now, I am keeping myself in the present. Whatever is happening right now, I focus on that and try not to look too far ahead."

He also revealed that he got special advice from MS Dhoni. "I have been doing this for a long time now. Be it for India, my IPL franchise, or the state team. I know what is needed when the team is in trouble. I just focus on the target," he said.

"I have been talking to Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni), and he has been helpful. He told me what a batter should do if the team loses early wickets," he added.

Rinku has played 48 first-class matches for Uttar Pradesh, registering 3,179 runs at an impressive average of 53.88, packed with seven centuries and 20 half-centuries.