Afghanistan and Kolkata Knight Riders keeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz surprised his IPL teammate Rinku Singh during a flight journey from Mohali to Indore ahead of the second T20I on Sunday. Gurbaz shared the video of the same on Instagram as Rinku seemed to be in deep sleep and was caught by surprise in the process.
Gurbaz and Rinku have been playing alongside another since IPL 2023 and have been retained by the celebrated franchise ahead of this year's edition. Gurbaz, one of the promising opening batters, had an underwhelming IPL 2023, managing 227 runs in 11 matches at 20.64. Rinku, meanwhile, experienced a breakout season, mustering 474 runs in 14 matches at 59.25, striking at 149.53.
Gurbaz kept wickets in the opening game in Mohali against India, but could not deliver with the bat as per expectations, managing 23 off 28 deliveries.
Rinku Singh credits MS Dhoni for remaining calm while batting at No.6:
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer didn't cease to mention his chat with MS Dhoni during IPL 2023 after Team India's win in the opening T20I against Afghanistan. The southpaw mentioned that he learnt the importance of remaining calm from the former Indian captain. Speaking to Jio Cinema, he stated:
"Enjoying batting at this number. Making it a habit of staying not out. Enjoyed batting in the cold a lot. While fielding the ball was hurting and nobody could see much out there (laughs). I try to talk to myself, and tell myself that anything can happen when I bat at No. 6."
"In the last IPL, I spoke to Mahi bhai, and he said the more you remain calm the better it is. Try to see what the bowler is doing and react accordingly. If I think too much things can go wrong for me (laughs), so I see what the bowler is doing instead."
The Men in Blue will look to seal the series on Sunday.
