Rinku Singh is an Indian middle-order batter. He is known for his calm finishing and aggressive hitting in T20 cricket. He bats left-handed and can also bowl occasional off-spin. He plays domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh cricket team. He also represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Rinku has been part of several successful Indian squads in recent years. He was a member of the India team that won the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Asia Cup. He was also part of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2022 Asian Games. But he did not play during the tournament.
He made his T20I debut for India against Ireland cricket team in August 2023. He did not get a chance to bat in his first game but followed it with a quick 38-run knock in the next match. Later that year, he impressed heavily in the home T20I series against Australia national cricket team. He scored 105 runs at a strike rate of 175, which was the best among Indian batters in that series.
Rinku continued his rise during the South Africa tour in late 2023, where he scored his first T20I half-century. He also made his ODI debut against South Africa national cricket team in December 2023. He scored 17 runs and took the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen.
One of his biggest international moments came in January 2024 against Afghanistan national cricket team. He helped build a record 190-run partnership, which became India’s highest partnership in T20I cricket.
Although he was only a reserve player for the 2024 T20 World Cup, he stayed in India’s plans and returned strongly in 2026. Against New Zealand national cricket team in Nagpur, he smashed an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls in a winning effort. This helped him earn a place in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Rinku Singh
Refused a Sweeper’s Job to Chase His Dream
When his family was struggling, an 18-year-old Rinku was offered a job mopping floors at a coaching centre. He rejected it. He later said, “I am not educated enough to fall back on academics. It is only cricket that could have taken me forward.” That gamble of saying no to a steady job paid off beyond imagination.
Survived a Brutal Monkey Attack as a Child
Growing up in Aligarh, Rinku once faced a life-threatening incident – a monkey attacked him viciously. He recalled that his “blood was flowing” and “my bones inside were visible” after the attack. The monkey tore out so much flesh that his left arm ended up one kilogram lighter than his right. A terrifying childhood memory.
Tattoo of the Exact Minute His Life Changed
Rinku has a clock tattoo on his arm reading 2:21 – the exact moment in the 2018 IPL auction when KKR bought him for ₹80 lakh. That money bought his family a house and helped arrange his siblings’ weddings. He wears that moment on his skin forever. A permanent reminder of the auction that changed everything.
Went on His Friend’s Honeymoon to Europe
In 2019, Rinku’s first trip abroad was a honeymoon – but not his own. His friend and former KKR teammate Nitish Rana took him along on his honeymoon to Europe to help Rinku gain confidence. Rinku struggled with English so badly that he couldn’t say “cheese” to order food and had to use gestures. Hilarious and heartwarming.
Averaged 105.88 in a Ranji Trophy Season
Before his T20 heroics, Rinku was piling on runs in four-day cricket. In the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, he scored 953 runs in just 10 matches at an unbelievable average of 105.88. He finished as the third-highest run-scorer that season. That consistency in the longer format proved he was no flash in the pan.
FAQs
Q. Which IPL team does Rinku Singh play for?
A. Rinku Singh plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Q. When did Rinku Singh make his T20I debut for India?
A. Rinku Singh made his T20I debut against Ireland in August 2023.
Q. What major partnership record did Rinku Singh help create for India?
A. Rinku Singh shared a 190-run stand with Rohit Sharma against Afghanistan. This became India’s highest partnership in T20I cricket.
Q. Which major trophies has Rinku Singh won with India?
A. Rinku Singh was part of the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup squads.
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