The 'Finisher' Rinku Singh & his journey to the big stage: All you need to know
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
First T20 fifty for India
26-year-old Indian batsman, Rinku Singh, smashed his maiden T20I fifty for India during the second T20I against South Africa in Gqeberha on December 12, establishing himself as a rising star in the Indian cricket team.
Rinku Breaks Media Box Glass
On Tuesday, Rinku took India to 180 but in the process damaged the glass panel of the media box at St. George's Park in Gqeberha. While taking on Aiden Markram's off spin, Rinku hit him for a six, which led to a huge crack on the glass.
Consistent Performances
Since his debut for the Indian T20I team in August 2023, Rinku Singh has consistently impressed with his batting, particularly excelling in the role of a finisher, making a significant impact in the recently concluded T20 series against Australia.
Key Role in Fourth T20I
Rinku Singh's progress as a cricketer was evident in the fourth T20I against Australia, where he played a pivotal knock by scoring 46 runs off 29 balls, including a remarkable 100-meter six that caught the attention of spectators and commentators.
Background and Debut
Born on October 12, 1997, Rinku Khanchand Singh made his international debut in August 2023 against Ireland at The Village. He plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket.
Early Struggle
Hailing from a modest background, Rinku Singh, the third among five siblings, faced financial challenges during his early years. His father, Khanchandra Singh, worked in an LPG distribution company, and the family resided in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
Domestic Career Highlights
Rinku Singh's cricket journey began at the Under-16, Under-19, and Under-23 levels for Uttar Pradesh. He made his List A debut in March 2014 and first-class debut in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy.
Indian Premier League Stints
Rinku Singh was bought by Kings XI Punjab in 2017 and later by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018. Despite a setback in the 2021 IPL due to a knee injury, he continued to make an impact and received several Man of the Match awards in the 2022 season for turning around matches in the dying moments.
Record-Breaking IPL Feat
On April 9, 2023, Rinku Singh achieved a record-breaking feat in an IPL match against Gujarat Titans, smashing five sixes in the final over to successfully chase down 29 runs – the highest-ever chase in the last over in IPL history.
International Debut and Notable Innings
In August 2023, Rinku Singh made his international debut in the first T20I against Ireland, and on November 23, 2023, he played an unbeaten match-winning inning of 22 runs against Australia. He continued his impressive form with an unbeaten inning of 31 runs on November 26, 2023.
Controversy
Rinku Singh faced a suspension from the BCCI on May 30, 2019, for participating in the Ramadan T20 Tournament in Abu Dhabi without seeking prior permission to play.