Rinku Singh

Rinku Khanchand Singh, born on 12 October 1997, is a rising star in Indian cricket, known for his dynamic batting style and occasional off-break bowling. Representing Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Singh has made significant contributions to both his teams. He made his international debut for India in August 2023, showcasing his talent on the global stage.

Singh's journey to cricketing stardom began in humble surroundings. Growing up as the third of five siblings in a modest family, Singh faced hardships but remained determined to pursue his passion for cricket. His father's occupation in an LPG distribution company provided the family with a modest living, and Singh's early years were spent in a two-room quarter near Aligarh Stadium in Uttar Pradesh.

In domestic cricket, Singh has been a standout performer for Uttar Pradesh across age groups. He made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh in March 2014, impressing with a top-score of 83 in his maiden match. His first-class debut came in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season, where he showcased his batting prowess.

Singh's IPL journey commenced when he was bought by Kings XI Punjab in 2017. However, it was his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that brought him into the limelight. Despite facing a suspension in 2019 for participating in a tournament without permission, Singh bounced back and continued to excel in the IPL.

In the 2022 IPL season, Singh earned his maiden Man of the Match award for his explosive batting performance against Rajasthan Royals. He further solidified his reputation as a game-changer by smashing five sixes in the final over to secure victory for KKR against Gujarat Titans in April 2023, setting a new record for the highest-ever chase in the last over of an IPL match.

Singh's international debut came in August 2023, representing India in a Twenty20 International (T20I) match against Ireland. He quickly made an impact, showcasing his aggressive batting style and contributing valuable runs for the team. His consistent performances earned him a place in India's squad for their tour of South Africa later that year.

In his ODI debut against South Africa, Singh displayed his all-round abilities by scoring crucial runs and taking a wicket. He further stamped his authority with a match-winning knock in the second ODI against South Africa, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Singh's remarkable partnership with Rohit Sharma against Afghanistan in January further solidified his status as a rising star in Indian cricket. Their record-breaking partnership highlights Singh's potential to thrive on the international stage and contribute significantly to India's success in the future.