Indian batter Rinku Singh revealed that MS Dhoni told him to just react to the ball and play according to the match situation. Singh said he is enjoying playing the finisher role for the team in the shortest format of the game.

The left-hander once again played a little cameo of nine-ball 16 to take India over the line in the run-chase of 159 runs in the first T20I against Afghanistan at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday.

Singh was able to hit the ground running as he hit a boundary on the first ball he faced. The southpaw has scored 278 runs in 13 T20I matches at an impressive average of 69.5 and a blistering strike rate of 180.52.

The 26-year-old from Aligarh is doing a fine job for India while batting at number six and he would want to carry the good show.

Rinku Singh said after India’s six-wicket win against Afghanistan in the first game, “I have got a habit of batting at 6 and finishing games, I’m feeling very happy with this job. Enjoyed the cold conditions, it was tough while fielding though.”

He added, “I just try to talk to myself, batting at 6, I don’t have the chance to face too many balls or score too many runs, that’s the thing I keep telling myself. I’ve spoken with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), he just told me to react according to the ball, keep your calm and I just do the same thing. I don’t think a lot while batting, just react to the ball.”

On the other hand, Shivam Dube was the star of the show in the opening game, scoring an unbeaten 60 runs from 40 balls. Furthermore, he took one wicket and conceded only nine runs in the two overs he bowled.

The second T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Sunday.