Kolkata: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over the recent dip in form of Rinku Singh stating that the batter has not been able to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented to him in recent seasons.
Rinku, who emerged as a standout finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2023 season, has struggled to replicate that consistency over the past two years.
Breakthrough season set high expectations
The left-hander enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign in the Indian Premier League, scoring 474 runs in 14 innings and establishing himself as one of the most reliable finishers in the league.
His fearless approach and ability to deliver under pressure made him a key asset for Kolkata Knight Riders, particularly in the death overs.
However, his returns have since declined, with Rinku managing 374 runs across 22 innings in the following two seasons, indicating a dip in both form and impact.
Pathan points to missed opportunities
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted that inconsistent opportunities and failure to make the most of chances have contributed to Rinku’s struggles.
“His 2023 season was outstanding. He scored 400–450 runs with a strike rate of 150. But after that, his performance dipped, and many times he didn’t get enough opportunities,” Pathan said.
He added that the batter needs to maintain his performance standards and maximise whatever chances come his way.
“Even in the World Cup, he played five matches but couldn’t fully capitalise on the chances he got,” Pathan noted.
Still among the most dangerous finishers
Despite the dip, Rinku’s numbers as a finisher remain impressive. Since 2023, he has scored 414 runs in the death overs in the IPL, second only to Tim David, who has 463 runs in the same phase.
Rinku’s strike rate of 201.95 during this period surpasses several established finishers, including MS Dhoni and Heinrich Klaasen.
Unlike power-hitters who rely heavily on brute force, Rinku’s scoring pattern is built on quick boundary access, finding the ropes every 3.15 deliveries in the death overs.
Exceptional numbers under pressure
The 28-year-old has also translated his finishing ability to the international stage. For India, over 51 per cent of his career runs have come in the death overs, at a remarkable strike rate of 214.68.
His numbers become even more striking in high-pressure situations. Rinku has scored 213 of his 594 career runs in the final two overs of innings, maintaining a strike rate of 287.83.
In the 20th over alone, his strike rate climbs to an extraordinary 302.63—the highest among batters from Full Member nations with at least 100 runs in that phase.
KKR’s challenge ahead
Pathan emphasised that both the player and the franchise need to address the issue moving forward. For Kolkata Knight Riders, ensuring clarity in Rinku’s role and providing consistent opportunities could be crucial.
With the IPL becoming increasingly competitive, teams rely heavily on finishers who can consistently deliver in crunch situations.
Conclusion
While Rinku Singh’s recent dip in form is a concern, his underlying numbers highlight his immense potential and value as a finisher. Irfan Pathan’s observations underline the importance of consistency and opportunity in sustaining performance at the highest level.
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Rinku can rediscover his 2023 form and reaffirm his status as one of the most dangerous finishers in modern cricket.
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