Mumbai, Sep 10: They have hit the headlines for their performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well in recent years.
One has been picked in the India squad for the First Test against Bangladesh, while the other has been summoned to play the ongoing Duleep Trophy.
But in 2023, after an IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT), they had almost contrasting fate. One became an overnight hero and the other suffered a severe career jolt.
The reason being, KKR's Rinku Singh, who has now been asked to play the Duleep Trophy, in that 2023 IPL match, hit five consecutive sixes in the final over bowled by GT pacer Yash Dayal. Needing 28 runs for a win, KKR celebrated their unexpected victory and Rinku hogged limelight.
Rinku was soon drafted into Team India and he has so far played two ODIs and 28 T20Is for the national team.
But the pacer Yash Dayal, who gave away 30 runs in five balls, almost went into a state of shock and depression.
As his father Chanderpal Dayal revealed on Tuesday that Rinku's onslaught was like an accident for Yash and his family. After the match, Yash's mother Radha fell ill and refused to eat . Yash went into depression.
But Chandepal added that the family encouraged Yash to fight back and keep playing. In 2024 IPL season, he was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and he picked 15 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 9.15. He even did well in domestic cricket including the first round of Duleep Trophy recently.
As a result of his consistent performances, the selectors have picked him in the India squad for the upcoming First Test against visitors Bangladesh in Chennai. It is indeed a matter of great relief and immense joy, Chanderpal added.
It can be recalled that Uttar Pradesh pacer Yash earned his maiden Test call-up, ahead of similar but experienced left-arm pacers Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed. But considering India's bowling line-up, Yash may not debut in the Chennai Test, which starts on September 27.
But indeed it is a great comeback by Yash, who almost was shell shocked after Rinku hit him for five consecutive sixes.
In the meanwhile, as the Test players get ready for the Chennai match, Rinku Singh, who was not picked initially to play the Duleep Trophy, has been asked to join the India A squad.
It can be recalled that this year, Duleep Trophy is being played in a new format involving four teams - India A, India B, India C and India D. Earlier, the tournament was played on zonal basis.
But considering the cricketing journey of the two talented players Rinku Singh and Yash Dayal so far, it is once again very clear that cricket is a great leveller.
