Rinku Singh to captain KKR? The Indian batsman himself breaks the silence

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Rinku Singh has stated that he is not distracted by the ongoing discussions regarding the captaincy of the team for the upcoming IPL 2025. Rinku Singh said that his main aim is to help Uttar Pradesh to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy title. since their last win in 2015-16.

The IPL champions released Shreyas Iyer, who led them to victory last season and are yet to announce a captain. Ajinkya Rahane is one of the main candidates, with Venkatesh Iyer another option. Meanwhile, Rinku has been named the Uttar Pradesh captain for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Don’t think too much about KKR captaincy – Rinku Singh

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Rinku Singh said that he is not focused on captaining KKR for the upcoming IPL season. Rinku added that he is concentrating on helping his state team win the trophy. It is worth noting that this will be the first time that Rinku will lead a state team at the senior level.

“I am not thinking too much about the captaincy of KKR in the new IPL season. I am focused on my plans for Uttar Pradesh as I want my team to bring back the trophy that we had won for the first time in 2015-16” . Rinku said.

Rinku Singh replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar as Uttar Pradesh captain. Bhuvneshwar led the team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where they lost in the quarter-finals. Earlier this year, Rinku led Meerut Mavericks to victory in the UPT20 League, scoring 210 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 161.54.

Now I am also focusing on my bowling – Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh hinted at a new role in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 27-year-old cricketer said he has been focusing on his bowling skills after experimenting with off-spin during the UPT20 League.

“I also tried my hand at (offspin) bowling in the UPT20 league. Today’s cricket demands a complete package – a cricketer who can bat, bowl and field. Now I am also focusing on my bowling. As the captain of Uttar Pradesh, I have a bigger role to play and I am ready for it,” said Rinku.

“I didn’t even think about being part of Team India when I hit five consecutive sixes in the IPL last year. It turned out to be the biggest change in my life. Even now I feel that if God has decided something for me, I’m sure I’ll achieve it. But, at the same time, I also have to work hard at my job,” he added.

Rinku Singh has been with Kolkata Knight Riders since 2018

Rinku, who made his international debut in 2023, has played in two ODIs and 30 T20Is. The left-handed batsman has scored 55 runs in ODIs at a strike rate of 134.15 and 507 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 166.15.

Kolkata Knight Riders are facing a tough decision regarding their IPL 2025 captaincy, and Rinku is a strong contender. The southpaw has been part of the franchise since 2018 and was one of the six players retained by KKR ahead of the IPL auction, which took place in Jeddah.

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