Sourav Ganguly, former India captain, said on Tuesday that he would like to see Rinku Singh bat higher up the order for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. Rinku, who serves as the team’s vice-captain, has batted at No. 5 in the first two matches.
Speaking at the unveiling of the third edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League, Ganguly requested KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane: “I feel Rinku bats too low. He’s a better player than that and, hopefully, the team finds a way to push him up the order.”
Rahane and Rinku, along with Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mohammed Shami and former India women’s cricketer Jhulan Goswami, took part in a talk show hosted by RevSportz Editor-in-Chief Boria Majumdar as part of the launch of the ninth team, Novus Purulia Royals.
Rahane spoke about how his roles have changed for different franchises in the cash-rich league over the past few seasons.
“I have always been an instinctive, attacking player,” he said. “But for the franchises I played for earlier, my role was different. It has always been about the team for me and how I can contribute. Whatever the management asked at that point, it was about fulfilling that role to the best of my ability.”
The KKR captain insisted that the dressing-room atmosphere is fantastic, despite his side losing the first two games this season before taking one point from the washed-out fixture against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on Monday night.
“The dressing-room atmosphere and culture have been fantastic,” said Rahane. “We want to give our best this season. Hopefully, we can lift the trophy for the franchise and, most importantly, for the fans of KKR.”
Calling franchise leagues the future, Ganguly, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, said: “The Bengal Pro T20 League, since its first season, has been a success, helping find a pool of talent in both the men’s and women’s categories. With eight teams, the last two seasons have been a big hit. Now, I am thrilled to announce the ninth franchise for the league, and I hope the third season of the Bengal Pro T20 League will be bigger and better.”
All nine franchises of the league — Sobisco Smashers Malda, Murshidabad Kings & Queens, Adamas Howrah Warriors, Servotec Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, Harbour Diamonds, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards and Novus Purulia Royals — were felicitated by the CAB.
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