Harbhajan Singh on the KKR batter Rinku Singh: We will soon see an India cap on his head

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has praised Rinku Singh and called him the X-factor for KKR this season.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has supported young batter Rinku Singh, who is looking forward to making his India debut very soon. Harbhajan added that Rinku is a player of different calibre, and that he has been the X-factor for KKR this season and not Andre Russell, which is a massive change.

Nonetheless, Rinku has been the standout performer for the two-time IPL champions, and he has won a few games with his bat in the last over. Of course, his most memorable innings were when he struck Yash Dayal for five consecutive sixes during the final over of the match in order to help KKR defeat GT.

So far, he has scored 407 runs in 13 matches this IPL 2023 season at a strike rate of 143.31, scoring at an average of 50.88. Because of his impeccable playing skills, most people remarked that he could be in line for a call-up to the Indian team.

Harbhajan Singh’s statement

Now Harbhajan has seconded that opinion, and said, "Now Rinku has become the X-factor for KKR, not Russell. Russell's era is gone. It's Rinku's time now. Even if Rinku is sent up, he can do justice to his role. He is a player of different calibre and we will soon see an India cap on his head.” Harbhajan was speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live.

Ravi Shastri on RInku Singh

Meanwhile, speaking to Star Sports, Ravi Shastri claimed that Rinku is the star of the KKR team and he enjoys close matches, as per the former Indian coach. He also praised Rinku’s ability to perform effectively in pressure situations that sets him apart from the competition.

"Rinku Singh is the hero of Kolkata Knight Riders. His temperament is very strong and gets very comfortable in tough situations. He's a battle-hardened player. Rinku likes close matches and this ability to do well in crunch situations is what separates this player from others," added Shastri.