Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir feels when Rinku Singh performs well, the whole of India becomes happy. Singh scored a fine knock of 68 runs off just 39 balls with the help of nine fours and two sixes against South Africa in the second T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday.

In fact, Singh joined forces with skipper Suryakumar Yadav when India lost three wickets in the Powerplay overs. The southpaw added 70 runs with SKY to help India bounce back into the contest.

Singh was able to hit the ground running as he smashed a four on the first ball he faced. The left-hander scored with an impressive strike rate of 174.34 and delivered the goods for the team. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping India post 180-7 on the board in 19.3 overs before rain intervened.

However, his efforts went in vain as South Africa chased down the score with five wickets in hand (DLS method) and seven balls to spare after Reeza Hendricks scored 49 off just 27 balls.

Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports, “When you come in after a lot of handwork, first-class cricket and you have performed at every single stage, then you value each of your knocks. Then you start every innings like it is your first one, and you won’t take anything for granted. Whatever success he gets, I feel, he deserves it. Because Rinku Singh hasn’t got anything easily. When he does well, it’s not just him, but the entire country becomes happy.”

Meanwhile, Singh had done a fine job while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. The left-hander has scored 725 runs in 31 IPL matches at an average of 36.25 and a strike rate of 142.16.

After his impressive show in T20Is, Rinku Singh also received a maiden call-up to the ODI squad for the series against South Africa. Singh will look to continue the good show in the final T20I, which will be played at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday.