KKR bought Rinku Singh for 80 lakhs in the 2018 mega auction by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but things did not start off well for him in the first season. Despite that, his batting potential was identified, and the UP-born cricketer was retained at KKR for the next season. Fast forward to IPL 2023, the 25-year-old lefty took the IPL by storm when he smashed Gujarat Titans’ bowler Yash Dhayal for five sixes in an over.
Walking onto the field as KKR’s finisher in the 2023 season, Rinku Singh scored 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and at an impressive strike rate of 149.53. Singh also earned a reputation as a designated finisher for his calm and composed demeanor.
But it was not an overnight success for the Aligarh cricketer. Rinku Singh worked harder than anyone else to make it to the big stage. He fought different battles at different stages of his life.
Rinku Singh shares his story from early days
In a recent interview with NDTV, Rinku Singh gave an insight into what his journey of becoming a cricketer was like. He talked about his financial hardships and how he did not get support from anyone.Rinku mentioned how his family couldn’t support him since his father was a gas hawker and didn’t earn enough. He was asked to join his father at the job to earn extra but he didn’t want to sacrifice his career. He was offered a cleaning job at the coaching centre where his brother worked for which he had to leave cricket. “My job was to clean the floors and I had to leave cricket for it. I later convinced my mother that I can improve our family’s financial condition by improving my game,” said Rinku. After focusing and working on his game tirelessly, Rinku was selected for the Uttar Pradesh team at 16 and went on to make his debut in List A cricket in 2014. With an impressive run at KKR, Rinku has stolen the limelight and is making the Indian selectors think. With immense potential and humungous talent, he might soon be given a chance to play for India. In case you missed!
