Rinku Singh pats Shivam Dube after the match. (Courtesy: BCCI.TV)

Rising India batter Rinku Singh revealed the MS Dhoni-mantra which helped him to improve his game after the first T20I against Afghanistan on Thursday. Rinku has made it a habit of batting through the innings in the shortest format or finishing off the game with quick-fire cameos.

The 26-year-old scored an unbeaten 16 off nine deliveries, including two boundaries, as he joined forces with the eventual man-of-the-match Shivam Dube to help Team India seal victory with 15 balls to spare.

When quizzed about his habit of finishing off matches, Rinku said, “I have got a habit of batting at 6 and finishing games, I”m feeling very happy with this job. Enjoyed the cold conditions, it was tough while fielding though. I just try to talk to myself, batting at 6, I don”t have the chance to face too many balls or score too many runs, that”s the thing I keep telling myself.

“I”ve spoken with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), he just told me to react according to the ball, keep your calm and I just do the same thing. I don”t think a lot while batting, just react to the ball.”

Rinku, 26, has become a household name in Indian circuit since hitting five sixes in an over to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to victory against Gujarat Titans in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League.

Courtesy of that innings, Rinku made a breakthrough to the Indian T20 side in August 2023, and since then, has batted at a phenomenal average of 69.50 with a strike rate of 180.51.