Is Rinku Singh the 'new' Yuvraj Singh? Former India all-rounder explains why KKR Star stands above the rest

Rinku Singh has impressed everyone in his short international career for India and, if all goes well, could be part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.

Rinku Singh scored his maiden T20I fifty against South Africa. (Image: BCCI)

New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh sees his old self in Rinku Singh and called the newest kid on the block the best left-hander in the national side at the moment. A star in the making, Rinku Singh made a name for himself with consistent performances during IPL 2023 while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, with his five sixes in an over being the highlight.

Even after his India debut in Ireland, Rinku operated in the same manner he dominated in the IPL and domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh. His 9-ball 31, 29-ball 46 (both against Australia) and 39-ball unbeaten 68 against South Africa are proof of that.

“He is probably the best left-hander in the Indian team at the moment,” Yuvraj told The Telegraph. “He reminds me of myself: he knows when to attack, when to switch the attack, and he is incredibly smart under pressure.” While Rinku is still a novice in the Indian dressing room, Yuvraj believes India have a finisher who can deliver at number 5 or 6.

“He can win games for us. I don't want to put pressure on him, but I really believe he has the ability to do what I used to do: be the finisher who performs at number 5 or 6,” the 2011 World Cup Series player added. In his 13 T20Is so far, Rinku has scored 278 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 180.51.

Rinku is not the type of player who comes, plays his shots and leaves. His game is built on a solid foundation and has a compact technique. His energetic running between the wickets and ability to thrive against spin makes Rinku special.