Rinku Singh Shares Bond with Gautam Gambhir Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, Rinku Singh, a prominent left-handed batter for India, reflected on his strong relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir. Their bond, which began during Singh’s time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been instrumental in shaping Singh’s career. Gambhir, who led KKR to victory in the IPL 2024, is known for fostering an environment where players can express themselves freely on the field.

In a recent interview, Singh recalled his initial meeting with Gambhir at KKR, describing it as a pivotal moment in his development. “GG sir has always backed me and supported me a lot,” Singh said. “When I first met him at KKR, he gave me so much confidence. I had a brief session with him where he spoke to me about pull shots. He always backs his players, and that feels really good.” Singh emphasized Gambhir’s extensive knowledge and his supportive nature, stating, “It’s always fun to share things with him. I’m really eager to play under his coaching again.”

Singh is looking forward to reuniting with Gambhir in Dubai for the tournament, expressing excitement about the opportunity to learn from him further. “Once I go to Dubai, I’ll have a big conversation with him,” he added. “His support in my career has been immense.”

Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership has also made a significant impact on Singh. The Indian skipper has been a source of reassurance, allowing Singh to focus on his game without added pressure. “Surya bhai is a fantastic captain,” Singh remarked. “He always tells me to play the same way I’ve been playing in the IPL. He takes the pressure off and gives me confidence.” Singh noted that Yadav fosters a comfortable atmosphere, which he believes is crucial for player performance.

As India’s designated T20I finisher, Singh has demonstrated impressive form in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2025, where he plays for the Meerut Mavericks. His preparation for the Asia Cup includes extensive training under former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Singh disclosed that he has been focusing on enhancing his skills to stay ahead in the competitive T20 landscape.

“I’ve been training in Mumbai and practising at the KKR Academy under Abhishek Nayar sir,” Singh explained. “He has helped me a lot and asked me to take my game to another level. T20 cricket is so demanding. Once you’ve played the IPL for a long time, bowlers start to understand your batting. That’s why you need to keep adding new elements to your game.”

Singh acknowledged the necessity of evolving as a player, especially as bowlers become more familiar with his style. “You need to put runs on the board because the opposition also comes with the mindset of scoring heavily,” he said. “I keep learning new things, like which shots I can add to my batting. After so many years in the IPL, bowlers know what weaknesses a batsman has, so I practice specifically on improving those areas.”

His dedication is evident as he has worked on mastering new shots, including the sweep and reverse sweep, which he believes will enhance his performance in the Asia Cup. Singh’s commitment to growth and his strong relationships with Gambhir and Yadav highlight his readiness to contribute to India’s success in the tournament.