Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh is the new IPL sensation who has captured the imagination of fans with his ice-cool finishing and heartwarming back-story. The left-hander from Aligarh, UP, represents Kolkata Knight Riders. In 31 IPL matches, Rinku has scored 725 runs at an average of 36.25 and a strike rate of 142.16.

Rinku's IPL journey started in 2018 when KKR bought him for Rs 80 lakh. But he had to wait till 2022 to get a consistent run in the playing XI. He grabbed his chances with both hands, scoring 174 runs at 34.80. Rinku's defining moment came in IPL 2023 when he smashed 5 consecutive sixes off the last 5 balls vs Gujarat Titans’ Yash Dayal to pull off mission impossible.

That 48* off 21 balls made Rinku an overnight star. He finished IPL 2023 with 474 runs at 59.25, hitting 4 fifties at a SR of almost 150.

Rinku's rags-to-riches story - from an LPG delivery boy to an IPL sensation - has inspired millions. The 25-year-old's ability to withstand pressure and to find gaps with his wristy stroke-play have earned him comparisons with greats like Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh.

With age on his side, Rinku has the potential to cement his place in Indian white-ball teams. His first 15 T20i matches have seen him score at an astonishing average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.23. For now, he will look to build on his breakout IPL season and help KKR win their 3rd title in 2024.

Rinku lives with his parents and siblings in Aligarh and is very close to his childhood coach Masood Uz Zafar Amini.

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