Gautam Gambhir tells Rinku Singh ‘he isn’t alone’, praises his character after father’s demise

Before the most important game of India against the West Indies, Super 8, the head coach Gautam Gambhir recognized Rinku Singh during the team meeting. Rinku had only recently joined the team only a day after losing his father, Khanchand Singh, to cancer. Rinku had previously been a last-minute dash home at the T20 World Cup team on the occasion of the decline in health of his father after India lost his first Super 8 game with South Africa. On Thursday, the team played Zimbabwe and he went back to Chennai still exhibiting incredible composure and commitment. Following the death of his father, Rinku once again travelled back home but came soon afterwards to the Indian camp where he was eager to participate in what had devolved to be virtual knock out game against the West Indies.

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Rinku, the assigned finisher of India, was omitted in the playing XI after the team changed the combinations after the defeat with South Africa, however, Gambhir commended his commitment to the team before the match with the Windies.

“Rinku, it takes a lot of character to come and join the team – remember one thing, you are not alone, the whole team is standing next to you – so stay strong," Gambhir said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on social media.

We are ready to take up the pressure: Gautam Gambhir

The Indian head coach made another vibrant speech in the huddle and informed his players that they should take the pressure and enjoy the game that had now turned into a knock out to them.

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“Guys, there is pressure. One thing is very clear: make sure that we don’t hide away from the pressure. We embrace it. We face it. And if at any time we feel we’re under pressure, make sure we take the positive move. Enjoy playing this game. This is what you play this game for this sport for this is what you’ve played all your life, games like this at home, knockout kind of a game. So make sure we go out there excited, not any under pressure anytime for next 40 overs, if you feel the pressure, make sure we take the positive move. Okay, be brave. Be courageous. Enjoy, enjoy playing for the country, and, most importantly, enjoy playing for each other. Okay, good luck," he added.

In the meantime, the Indian team played outstandingly well when they were put on the wall and Sanju Samson led the team to a five-wicket victory in a crunch game with a phenomenal 97-run* to ensure their spot in the semis.

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