Rinku Singh

Since the inception of the Indian T20 League in 2008, the tournament has consistently showcased rags-to-riches tales each year. Among these inspiring narratives is the journey of Rinku Singh, a talented left-handed batsman from India. Originating from Aligarh, Rinku began his cricketing endeavours by playing at the age-group level for Uttar Pradesh. Due to his impressive performances at that stage, he quickly advanced to the senior level, marking the start of his remarkable cricketing journey.

Personal details 

About Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh is an Indian cricketer known for his left-handed batting and occasional left-arm orthodox spin bowling. Born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku rose to prominence through his performances in domestic cricket.

Rinku made his debut for the Uttar Pradesh cricket team in 2016 and quickly caught the attention of selectors with his aggressive batting style. He gained further recognition when he was picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the 2017 season.

Although he initially struggled to make a mark in the IPL, Rinku continued to impress in domestic cricket, showcasing his talent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

In the 2018 IPL season, Rinku’s fortunes changed when he played some crucial innings for KKR, including a match-winning knock against Kings XI Punjab. His performances earned him praise from teammates and fans alike, establishing him as a promising young talent in Indian cricket.

His international debut for India came in August 2023 during a match against Ireland at The Village. Rinku’s journey in cricket has been marked by his dynamic batting style and occasional contributions with the ball, making him a valuable asset for both his domestic team and IPL franchise.

Rinku Singh Career Highlights 

-Rinku Singh was acquired by Kings XI Punjab at auction for the 2017 Indian Premier League.

-In the 2018 IPL auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Singh’s services for a price of 80 lakh in January 2018.

-Singh made his international debut for India in August 2023, featuring in a match against Ireland at The Village.

-During an IPL encounter against Gujarat Titans, Rinku Singh scripted history by smashing five sixes in the final over, setting a record-breaking feat.

Career 

Domestic career 

Rinku Singh’s debut in List A Cricket occurred in March 2014, representing Uttar Pradesh Cricket at just 16 years old. He immediately made an impact, emerging as the top scorer in the match with an impressive 83 runs. Subsequently, Singh made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh on November 5, 2016, showcasing his talent with valuable innings for his state team.

Within his initial seven List A matches, Singh demonstrated his potential with four half-centuries, establishing himself as a promising prospect. Noteworthy among his recent performances was his blistering knock of 91 not out off 44 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018 match against Tripura.

Although initially recognized as a white-ball specialist, Singh had a breakthrough season in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, amassing 953 runs in ten games at a remarkable average of 105.88, including four centuries and three fifties, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

However, the 22-year-old faced a setback when he was suspended by the BCCI for three months last year for his participation in a foreign league.

IPL Career 

Singh was set to represent KKR in the 2021 Indian Premier League but had to withdraw due to a knee injury, with Gurkeerat Singh Mann stepping in as his replacement. In February 2022, he was retained by KKR and featured for them in IPL 2022. He clinched his first Man of the Match award after a stellar performance, scoring 42 runs off 23 balls against Rajasthan Royals. On April 9, 2023, Singh made history in an IPL match against Gujarat Titans by smashing five sixes in the final over to chase down 29 runs, marking the highest-ever chase in the last over in the tournament’s history.

International career 

On August 18, 2023, Singh marked his international debut in the inaugural Twenty20 International (T20I) against Ireland at The Village. In the subsequent match, he contributed a brisk 38 runs before falling to the last ball of the innings. On November 23, 2023, he showcased his batting prowess by scoring 22 runs off just 14 deliveries against Australia in the first T20I at Vishakhapatnam.

In November 2023, Singh earned selection in India’s squad for the 2023–24 tour of South Africa. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against South Africa on December 19, 2023, where he not only scored 17 runs but also claimed the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen. On December 21, 2023, Singh played a match-winning innings in the second ODI against South Africa.

Furthermore, on January 17, Singh and Rohit Sharma formed an unbeaten 190-run partnership against Afghanistan, marking India’s highest run partnership in T20I history and the highest run partnership for the fifth wicket globally.

ODI Career 

In the overview of Rinku Singh’s performance, he has played a total of two matches. He has scored a total of 55 runs, with a highest score of 38, averaging 27.50. Singh has faced 41 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate of 134.14. He has yet to score a century or a half-century in this span. During his innings, he has hit 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, showcasing his ability to find the ropes effectively.

T20 International Career 

In the overview of Rinku Singh’s performance, he has featured in 15 matches, remaining not out in 7 of them. With a total of 356 runs, his highest score stands at an unbeaten 69. Singh maintains an impressive average of 89.00. Throughout his innings, he has faced 202 deliveries, boasting an outstanding strike rate of 176.23. While he hasn’t yet registered a century, Singh has secured two half-centuries. Notably, he has struck 31 boundaries and 20 sixes, indicating his ability to score quickly and find the ropes with ease.

Family 

Before delving into Rinku Singh’s remarkable cricket journey, it’s essential to understand his family background and the influence of his upbringing on his character.

Rinku Singh, born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, hails from a humble family background. His father works as an LPG gas delivery man, while his brother is employed as an auto-rickshaw driver. Among five siblings, Singh holds the position of the third child, reflecting the close-knit dynamics within his family.