• Source:JND
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India head coach Rahul Dravid has backed attacking batter Rinku Singh for the finisher's role ahead of the T20I series opener against South Africa in Durban. India are set to start their all-format South Africa tour with a three-match T20I series, commencing on Sunday.

Before the series opener, the Indian team had a practice session to adapt to the visiting conditions. Sharing his experience after the first practice session, Rinku said the head coach wants him to continue playing with his blistering approach in the T20Is at no. 5 or 6 spot.

"The first practice session, I enjoyed it a lot because of the fine weather. Getting the opportunity to work with Rahul Dravid sir, so that was a good feeling. He told me to continue playing the way I do and continue believing in myself," Rinku told BCCI.tv.

"(He told me) to keep playing at No. 5 or 6. It is tough to play in that position, but keep pushing yourself and believe in yourself," he added.

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In the five-match T20I series against Australia in India, Rinku played some memorable knocks and finished games for India. The hosts won the series 4-1 after the ODI World Cup heartbreak.

The 26-year-old said he is working on adapting to the pace and bounce of the South African wickets in his first tour of the country.

"When I batted here today, there was extra bounce here compared to Indian wickets. The pace is a bit more, so will practice against pace bowling," he said.

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Rinku highlighted that batting at no. 5 or 6 is not new for him as he has been doing it for his domestic side Uttar Pradesh for many years.

"I have been playing for UP since 2013 at No. 5 or 6. So, I have got used to that position. I keep backing myself to play in that position because it is very tough to play in that position if 4-5 wickets are down," Rinku said.

"Then you have to build a partnership. So I keep telling myself, the more I can keep myself calm, the better it is (for me), and not to react," he added.

Rinku further said he enjoys his teammates' company and has fun with his group including Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Jitesh Sharma. 

"We 4-5 players remain in a group. Me, Ravi (Bishnoi), Arshdeep (Singh), Avesh (Khan), Jitesh (Sharma). We enjoy each other's company, which is very important in cricket," Rinku said.