Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Rinku Singh, who is playing the role of finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The legendary off-spinner also compared Rinku with MS Dhoni, one of the greatest finishers cricket has ever seen.

Ashwin said that this young player will be full of confidence before IPL 2024, because he has performed well at the international level as well. Rinku had performed as well as expected in KKR’s poor campaign last year. The left-handed batsman was the highest run-scorer for his team in IPL 2023. He scored 474 runs in 14 matches at an average of 59.25 and strike rate of 149.52.

Ashwin gave a big statement in praise of Rinku Singh

Praising Rinku Singh, R Ashwin said, “First of all, from the last IPL to this IPL, Rinku Singh has come a lot as a player. He was exceptional last year too. Also there is confidence to play for the Indian team this year. Right now, his mind is like this, I will stand here; Bowl however you want; We will see till the last ball who wins. He is a left-handed Dhoni.”

Rinku made headlines with her explosive innings against Gujarat Titans (GT) last season. He hit five sixes in five consecutive balls in one over of Yash Dayal and successfully chased 28 runs in the last over and gave his team a historic victory.

Ashwin also said that the return of captain Shreyas Iyer will give a lot of confidence to the Kolkata-based franchise. He told how these batsmen can dominate the spinners in Eden Garden.

They said that, “He can give you hand-holding. He plays spin very well. Kolkata is kind of a small ground, but he plays well there. Also, bats well and can break spinners. As a captain, he is coming back to the team.”