Rinku Khanchand Singh, born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a prominent Indian cricketer known for his left-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling. He has made significant contributions to Indian cricket, representing both the national team and various domestic leagues.
Rinku Singh hails from a modest family background. His father, Khanchandra Singh, worked in an LPG distribution company, and the family resided in a two-room quarter near Aligarh Stadium, provided by his father's employers. Rinku is the third of five siblings.
Rinku's cricketing journey began at a young age. He represented Uttar Pradesh at various age levels, including under-16, under-19, and under-23, and also played for the Central Zone at the under-19 level. He made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh in March 2014 at the age of 16, top-scoring with 83 runs in that match. His first-class debut came in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy on November 5, 2016.
In the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, Rinku emerged as the leading run-scorer for Uttar Pradesh in the group stage, amassing 803 runs in nine matches. He concluded the tournament with a total of 953 runs in ten matches, showcasing his consistency and prowess with the bat.
Rinku's impressive domestic performances caught the attention of IPL franchises. In February 2017, he was acquired by Kings XI Punjab for the 2017 IPL season. The following year, in January 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for ₹80 lakh.
In the 2022 IPL season, Rinku delivered a standout performance against Rajasthan Royals, scoring 42 runs off 23 balls and earning his first Man of the Match award. However, it was on April 9, 2023, that he etched his name in IPL history. Facing Gujarat Titans, Rinku achieved the remarkable feat of hitting five consecutive sixes in the final over, successfully chasing down 29 runs—the highest-ever chase in the last over in IPL history.
Rinku's consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL paved the way for his international debut. He made his T20 International debut for India against Ireland on August 18, 2023, at The Village. Later that year, on December 19, he debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against South Africa. As of December 2023, Rinku has played 20 T20I matches, scoring 416 runs at an average of 83.20, including two half-centuries, with a top score of 69*. In ODIs, he has featured in two matches, accumulating 55 runs with a top score of 38.
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), Rinku Singh is known for his aggressive batting style, especially in the middle order. His ability to finish games and handle pressure situations has been evident in both domestic and international matches. As a left-handed batsman, he brings versatility to the batting lineup, and his occasional off-spin bowling adds depth to his cricketing arsenal.
Challenges and Resilience
Rinku's journey has not been without challenges. In May 2019, he faced a three-month suspension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for participating in the Ramadan T20 Tournament in Abu Dhabi without prior permission. Additionally, a knee injury ruled him out of the 2021 IPL season, but his determination saw him make a strong comeback in subsequent seasons.
Despite his rise in cricket, Rinku remains grounded and connected to his roots in Aligarh. He is known for his dedication to fitness and often engages in various sports during his leisure time. His journey from a humble background to international cricket serves as an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers.
Rinku Singh's cricketing journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. From his early days in Aligarh to making a mark on the international stage, he has consistently showcased his cricketing prowess. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his future contributions to Indian cricket.
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