Rinku Singh, born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a professional cricketer renowned for his left-handed batting prowess and right-arm off-break bowling. Coming from a humble background, Rinku’s journey to cricketing stardom is an inspiring tale of perseverance and dedication.
Rinku Singh Riography
He made his mark in domestic cricket playing for Uttar Pradesh, consistently delivering impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His ability to anchor innings and finish games under pressure has earned him a reputation as a dependable middle-order batsman.
Rinku’s breakthrough moment came in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Over the seasons, he has become a key player for the franchise, known for his aggressive stroke play, quick running between the wickets, and ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the death overs. His memorable match-winning performances, including crucial cameos and finishing games in tight situations, have cemented his place as a valuable asset for KKR.
Apart from his batting prowess, Rinku contributes with his right-arm off-break bowling, providing an additional option for his team. His all-round skills, coupled with his strong work ethic, have made him a favorite among teammates and fans alike.
Despite facing financial hardships in his early life, Rinku’s unwavering determination and hard work paved the way for his success in professional cricket. His story serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country.
As he continues to evolve and hone his skills, Rinku Singh remains a promising talent in Indian cricket, with aspirations to represent the national team on the international stage. His journey from a small-town boy to a celebrated cricketer exemplifies the power of dreams and dedication.
Early Life and Background
Hailing from a modest family in Aligarh, Rinku Singh’s journey to professional cricket is a testament to his determination and passion for the sport. Despite financial constraints, he pursued cricket fervently, representing Uttar Pradesh at various age-group levels, including under-16, under-19, and under-23. His consistent performances at these levels paved the way for his entry into professional cricket.
Domestic Career
Rinku made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh in March 2014 at just 16 years old, top-scoring with 83 runs in that match. He continued to impress, making his first-class debut in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy on November 5, 2016. During the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, he was the leading run-scorer for Uttar Pradesh in the group stage, amassing 803 runs in nine matches and finishing the tournament with 953 runs in ten matches.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Rinku’s IPL journey began in February 2017 when he was bought by Kings XI Punjab. In January 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for ₹80 lakh. Over the years, he has become an integral part of KKR’s middle order, known for his ability to finish games under pressure. A highlight of his IPL career came on April 9, 2023, against Gujarat Titans, where he hit five consecutive sixes in the final over to chase down 29 runs, marking the highest-ever chase in the last over in IPL history.
Playing Style and Strengths
Rinku Singh is celebrated for his aggressive batting style, particularly in the death overs. His ability to find gaps and clear boundaries makes him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket. Additionally, his right-arm off-break bowling offers a strategic advantage, providing his team with a versatile option in the bowling department.
Recent Highlights
Beyond his on-field achievements, Rinku has garnered attention for his humble and generous nature. In January 2025, a video of him distributing ₹500 notes to waiters at a party went viral, showcasing his appreciation for service workers. Additionally, he gifted his father a sports bike, fulfilling a long-cherished dream and highlighting his deep family values.
Personal Life
In January 2025, reports surfaced about Indian cricketer Rinku Singh and Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament Priya Saroj planning to marry. Priya Saroj, representing Uttar Pradesh’s Machhlishahr constituency, is noted as one of the youngest women MPs in the current Lok Sabha.
Priya’s father, Tufani Saroj, a three-time Lok Sabha MP and current MLA from Uttar Pradesh, confirmed that both families have engaged in preliminary discussions regarding the marriage. He stated, “Both the children have expressed their desire to get married and have sought our permission for the same. The engagement has not taken place yet. Initial talks have taken place in this regard.”
Amidst the circulating rumors, Priya Saroj addressed the situation by sharing a picture from her official engagement on social media, indicating her participation in a committee meeting of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Thiruvananthapuram.
This development has attracted significant media attention, marking a new chapter in Rinku Singh’s personal life.
Conclusion
Rinku Singh’s journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the grand stages of Indian cricket exemplifies resilience, talent, and hard work. Born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku faced financial hardships early in life. His father worked for an LPG distribution company, and the family resided in modest accommodations provided by his father’s employer.
Despite these challenges, Rinku’s passion for cricket was unwavering. He represented Uttar Pradesh at various age-group 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 followed in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy on November 5, 2016.
Rinku’s consistent performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of IPL scouts. In February 2017, he was bought by Kings XI Punjab for the 2017 Indian Premier League. The following year, in January 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for ₹80 lakh. Over the seasons, Rinku became a key player for KKR, known for his middle-order batting and excellent fielding skills. A standout moment came on April 9, 2023, when he hit five consecutive sixes in the final over against Gujarat Titans, successfully chasing down 29 runs—the highest-ever chase in the last over in IPL history.
Rinku’s rise from humble beginnings to cricketing stardom serves as an inspiration to many. His dedication and perseverance highlight the potential within individuals to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rinku Singh:
- What are Rinku Singh’s notable domestic cricket achievements?Rinku Singh made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh in March 2014 at the age of 16, scoring 83 runs in that match. He debuted in first-class cricket during the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy on November 5, 2016. In the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season, he was the leading run-scorer for Uttar Pradesh in the group stage, accumulating 803 runs in nine matches, and concluded the tournament with 953 runs in ten matches.
- Which IPL team does Rinku Singh play for, and what has been his impact?Rinku Singh has been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since 2018. He has established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman, renowned for his ability to finish games under pressure. A standout moment in his IPL career occurred on April 9, 2023, against the Gujarat Titans, where he hit five consecutive sixes in the final over to chase down 29 runs, setting a record for the highest-ever chase in the last over in IPL history.
- When did Rinku Singh make his international debut for India?Rinku Singh made his international debut for India in a T20 International (T20I) match against Ireland on August 18, 2023, at The Village. He earned his One Day International (ODI) debut on December 19, 2023, against South Africa.
- What is Rinku Singh’s batting position in the Indian team, and has it been a topic of discussion?Rinku Singh has often been positioned lower in the batting order for the Indian team, typically at number six. This strategy has been questioned by former cricketers like Aakash Chopra, who believe that Rinku should be given the opportunity to bat higher, ideally at number four, to better showcase his batting capabilities.
- What are some highlights of Rinku Singh’s personal life?Rinku Singh comes from a humble background; his father, Khanchandra Singh, worked in an LPG distribution company. In January 2025, Rinku reportedly got engaged to Priya Saroj, a Member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party. However, there have been contrasting reports about the engagement, with some sources stating that the engagement hasn’t happened yet and that the cricketer’s family has only sent a marriage proposal.
- Has Rinku Singh made any notable gestures towards his family?Yes, in January 2025, Rinku Singh gifted his father a Kawasaki Ninja 400 sports bike, fulfilling a long-cherished dream and highlighting his deep family values.
- What is Rinku Singh’s role in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team?Rinku Singh serves as a middle-order batsman for KKR, known for his aggressive batting style, particularly in the death overs. His ability to find gaps and clear boundaries makes him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.
- What are Rinku Singh’s career statistics in international cricket?As of December 2023, in T20 Internationals, Rinku Singh has played 20 matches, scoring 416 runs with an average of 83.20, including two half-centuries, with a top score of 69*. In One Day Internationals, he has played 2 matches, scoring 55 runs with an average of 27.50, with a top score of 38.
- What is Rinku Singh’s background and early life?Rinku Singh is the third of five siblings, born into a poor family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Khanchandra Singh, worked in an LPG distribution company. During his early years, Rinku lived in a two-room quarter near Aligarh Stadium, provided by his father’s employers.
- What is Rinku Singh’s playing style and strengths?Rinku Singh is celebrated for his aggressive batting style, particularly in the death overs. His ability to find gaps and clear boundaries makes him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket. Additionally, his right-arm off-break bowling offers a strategic advantage, providing his team with a versatile option in the bowling department.
Rinku Singh’s journey from a modest background to becoming a prominent figure in Indian cricket is a testament to his determination and talent. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport.
