The line “Rinku Singh deserved better” resonated on social media as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost a close 4-run game to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens. KKR fans lashed out at the team management for leaving in-form finisher Rinku Singh as low as No. 8 in a high-intensity run chase.
With an impossible 19 runs needed from the last three balls, Rinku came close to doing the impossible, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 15 balls, two fours and a six in the last over.
Why Was Rinku Singh Sent in So Late?
When Rinku came in to bat, KKR required 62 off 28 balls, a position many feel could’ve been managed better if he had been pushed higher up the order. The pressure of hitting boundaries with almost every ball resulted in Andre Russell getting out, leaving Rinku in an even more difficult position.
The skilled left-arm bowler still gave his best completing the 17th over with a boundary, hitting further in the 18th, and demonstrating his strength in the 19th over against Avesh Khan. But KKR’s strategic move to send him late proved to be their downfall.
Rinku Singh’s Consistent Overlook Raises Eyebrows
It isn’t the first time Rinku Singh has been marginalized by KKR. Last season as well, his play time was constrained because of the top-order playing in great touch. That condition hasn’t gotten any better this season in IPL 2025, where he has been overruled in crucial situations by Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Several fans and experts claim that KKR’s fixation on having a left-right balance is damaging their prospects and worse, holding back the development of one of their most reliable finishers.
KKR’s Chase Falters Despite Heroics from Rahane and Narine
Pursuing 239, KKR began well with Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine contributing 90 runs in the powerplay. Rahane turned back the clock with a breathtaking 61 off 35 balls, but his premature fall triggered a collapse. KKR lost 4 wickets for 15 runs, reducing from 162/3 to 177/6.
It was then the responsibility of Rinku Singh, who again proved his mettle despite being given a task almost impossible to accomplish.
Read More
Fans Enraged: ‘Rinku Singh Deserved Better’ Goes Viral
Sorry Rinku Singh, You Deserve Better 💔 pic.twitter.com/pT0jSKgAfX
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 8, 2025
Sent Rinku Singh at number 8. pic.twitter.com/IlZjxiYHIG
— S H A H I D. (@Irfy_Pathaan56) April 8, 2025
Having Russell, Rinku in the pavilion and sending a 20 year old Angkrish Raghuvanshi ahead of them when required runrate is 13.
CAN'T DIGEST THIS LOSS MANN pic.twitter.com/Bvjud2nJva
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 8, 2025
Cricket fans were not kind to the KKR coach and captain, criticizing poor decision-making. For many, “Rinku Singh deserved better” summed up the outrage at watching a proven match-winner repeatedly sent in too late down the order.
“Why is Rinku walking in at No. 8 when the chase is on? Absolute mockery of his talent” posted one user on X (formerly Twitter).
LSG Hold Nerve, Pooran Powers Them to Mammoth Total
Earlier in the game, Nicholas Pooran stole the limelight with a stunning 87* off 36 balls, taking LSG to 238/3, their second-highest score in IPL history. Aiding from Aiden Markram (47) and Mitchell Marsh provided a flying start, while Digvesh Rathi and Ravi Bishnoi wrapped up the win with pressure bowling in the death overs.
Even after leaking 38 runs in overs 18 and 19, Bishnoi was able to hold back 28 in the last over barely fending off Rinku’s late onslaught.
Final Thoughts: Tactical Missteps Cost KKR a Winnable Match
The defeat has left KKR and their supporters wondering what might have been had Rinku Singh been given a chance to bat higher. With big guns blazing and a platform established, the choice to reserve a tested finisher was called into question severely by the team’s planning.
One thing is certain: Rinku Singh was worth better both from his management and from a game that once again asked too much, too late.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Watch – Shardul Thakur’s 11-Ball Over With Five Consecutive Wides Stuns Rishabh Pant
