Rinku Singh received an India call-up after an outstanding campaign alongside Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, firstly for the 2023 Asian Games and most recently for the three-match Twenty-20 International series versus Ireland.
Rinku made waves during the IPL by smashing five consecutive sixes during the final over to secure a victory. He had previously only been recognised for cameo roles, but that knock catapulted the young man from Aligarh into instant stardom.
The 25-year-old left-hander claims that being selected for the series in Dublin still seems like a dream. He said, “Sapne jaisa hi hai (This is like a dream). I don’t want to wake up anytime soon. It’s an amazing feeling, not easy for me to describe in words. I have reached this level from absolutely nothing. I am an emotional person, and every time I talk to my parents, we end up crying.”
I got my chances initially but failed to make those count: Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh’s story from having nothing to having everything has been exceptional. He barely contributed over his first three IPL seasons, scoring just 77 runs. In the 2021 season, he was unable to participate in even one game. He made a few cameo appearances in the second part of IPL 2022, but they were unsuccessful. But IPL 2023 changed everything, as he collected 474 runs with a 149.53 strike rate.
Rinku Singh reflected on his time that he spent in the cricket academy and how it has paid off. “I have been with the KKR for six years. I got my chances initially but failed to make those count. I have learnt a lot during my early years with the team. I worked hard on my batting with Abhishek Nayar sir at the KKR academy in Mumbai. All that hard work is paying off.”
There was a great deal of turbulence on the IPL route from Aligarh onward to the Indian cricket squad. But Rinku is capable of maintaining his composure. He expresses pride regarding his past and claims that it both keeps him grounded and inspires him to keep striving for his objectives.
Rinku Singh added that, “I have no shame in telling people that I used to do menial jobs to make ends meet. What’s wrong with it? My past gives me the courage to face failures and difficulties.”
Fans react to Rinku Singh’s wholesome answer after making it to Indian team for T20I series against Ireland:
Rinku Singh said, "getting selected for India is an amazing feeling, not easy for me to describe in words. I've reached this level from absolutely nothing. I'm an emotional person, and every time I talk to my parents, we end up crying". (Indian Express). pic.twitter.com/lOK4PudoFb
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 1, 2023
He exposed soon . Only 5 sixes give him career .
— FIRE?? (@firefire0045) August 1, 2023
press and media milking his struggles , will call him one hit wonder after he fails in few games
— Sairus (@bojackchan_4) August 1, 2023
This is the problem with the young crowd, little fame and they start modelling
— asd (@atime05) August 1, 2023
Should have been selected for the WI tour also ?
— DHONIverse ?? (@91_wankhede) August 1, 2023
Kuch kar bhi Lena moka milna par , hawa Mai mat chale jaana
— ???????? ???? ???? ?????? ???? (@dev_r15) August 1, 2023
A story of a every bihari family…??????
— Vivek Srivastav (@Aamirkh5456541) August 1, 2023
— Lucky (@ayanokouji_22) August 1, 2023
