Sandeep Sarkar, Kolkata: 9 runs were required in the last over. He wrote the fate of the match by hitting two boundaries off the first 2 balls of Rajasthan Royals pacer Brijesh Sharma. The match was tied at that moment. The modified equation stands, 1 run needed from 4 balls to win. Rinku Singh did not take a run on the third ball. He hooked the fourth ball over fine leg and threw it outside the boundary. Double joy by hitting a six – the team’s victory and his own half-century. The entire Eden Gardens was then resounding with ‘Rinku, Rinku’.

He celebrated with raised fists. From the KKR dug out, the cricketers ran into the field and hugged Rinku and started the celebration. At times there was confusion, what is KKR? IPL Become a champion? Usually the champion in the tournament is seen running from the dugout into the field.

A four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals brought a fresh air to the Knights camp as if they were champions. The lost faith, that we can win, as if we lost Rajasthan. KKR’s new co-captain Rinku sows the dream that playoffs are still possible.

And the dream peddler himself cried in the field. Dug walked towards the exit. Coach Abhishek Nair was standing there. Jai’s two artisans – Rinku and Anukul Ray embraced KKRcoach of Rinku couldn’t control his emotions. He cried on the field. He was seen wiping tears several times.

Were you angry for some reason while batting? Rinku said after the match, ‘It happens sometimes, when things don’t go their way. The pressure is understandable. But it’s not like I was hesitating or unsure of my shot. I wanted to take the match to the end. Both the coach and my batting partner spoke to me.’

He was caught at just 8 runs. The match turned from there. Rinku says, ‘It’s part of the game. Luck was with me. I don’t have a specific place in the batting order. When the team needs me, I am ready to bat.’