Rinku Singh, a name synonymous with grit, determination, and explosive batting, has emerged as one of India’s most promising cricketers. Known for his sensational performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his inspiring journey from humble beginnings, Rinku has captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
Early Life and Background
Rinku Singh was born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a modest family. His father, Khanchand Singh, worked as an LPG cylinder delivery man, while his mother, Vina Devi, managed the household. Growing up in a financially constrained environment, Rinku faced numerous challenges. His family lived in a small house near an LPG godown, and their economic struggles often overshadowed his early dreams of playing cricket.
Despite these hardships, Rinku’s passion for cricket was evident from a young age. He began playing with a tennis ball in his locality, showcasing a natural flair for the game. However, his father initially opposed his cricketing ambitions, preferring he focus on academics or secure a stable job. Rinku even faced physical reprimands for prioritizing cricket over studies. A turning point came in 2012 when Rinku won a motorcycle in a school tournament, which softened his father’s stance and marked the beginning of his family’s support for his cricketing journey.
Rinku’s academic journey was brief; he dropped out after Class 8 to focus on cricket. His determination to succeed in the sport, coupled with his raw talent, set the stage for an extraordinary career.
Cricketing Career
Domestic Cricket
Rinku Singh’s cricketing journey began in Uttar Pradesh’s domestic circuit. He made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh in March 2014 at the age of 16, showcasing his potential as a middle-order batsman. His First-Class debut followed in November 2016 during the Ranji Trophy, where he quickly gained attention for his aggressive batting style and ability to handle pressure.
Rinku’s breakthrough came in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 361 runs in nine matches, establishing himself as a reliable performer. His consistent performances in domestic tournaments, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, earned him a spot in the Uttar Pradesh T20 team and caught the eye of IPL scouts.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Rinku’s IPL journey began in 2017 when he was picked up by Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) for INR 10 lakh. However, he played only one match that season and was released. In 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for INR 80 lakh, a significant milestone for the young cricketer.
Rinku’s defining moment came during IPL 2023, when he smashed five consecutive sixes off Gujarat Titans’ Yash Dayal in a thrilling chase, securing an improbable victory for KKR. This performance catapulted him to national fame, earning him the moniker “Lord Rinku” among fans.
In IPL 2025, Rinku continued to be a vital cog in KKR’s lineup, retained for a hefty sum, reflecting the franchise’s faith in his abilities. He contributed valuable runs, including a notable 36 off 25 balls against Delhi Capitals, helping KKR secure a 14-run victory. Despite occasional criticism for inconsistent performances, Rinku’s ability to deliver in clutch situations remains unmatched.
International Career
Rinku made his T20I debut for India in August 2023 against Ireland, marking his entry into international cricket. Known for his finishing skills, he has been a regular in India’s T20I squad, though his opportunities have been limited due to a stacked middle order. In January 2025, Rinku suffered a setback when he was ruled out of the second and third T20Is against England due to a low back spasm sustained while fielding. The BCCI confirmed he was under medical supervision, with Ramandeep Singh named as his replacement.
Despite the injury, Rinku’s potential as a T20 specialist and his ability to hit big shots make him a strong contender for India’s future T20 World Cup squads.
Personal Life and Recent News
Engagement to Priya Saroj
One of the most talked-about events in Rinku Singh’s personal life is his engagement to Priya Saroj, a Samajwadi Party MP from Machhlishahr, Uttar Pradesh. The couple got engaged on June 8, 2025, in a lavish ceremony at The Centrum, a luxury hotel in Lucknow. The event was a star-studded affair, attended by prominent political figures like Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, Jaya Bachchan, and cricketers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
The engagement, which blended cricket and politics, featured emotional moments, including Priya’s tearful reaction as Rinku placed the ring on her finger. Viral videos captured the couple dancing to Bollywood hits like “Gallan Goodiyan” and “Sadi Gali,” with Bhuvneshwar Kumar stealing the show with his dance moves.
Priya Saroj, born on November 23, 1998, is one of India’s youngest MPs, elected in 2024. A lawyer by training, she is the daughter of SP MLA Tufani Saroj. The couple met through a mutual friend, a cricketer, and their relationship blossomed over three years. Their wedding is scheduled for November 18, 2025, in Varanasi.
Heartwarming Gesture to Father
In January 2025, Rinku made headlines for gifting his father, Khanchand Singh, a Kawasaki Ninja 400 sports bike worth over INR 5 lakh. The gesture, which went viral on social media, symbolized Rinku’s gratitude for his father’s sacrifices. Khanchand, once a delivery man, was seen proudly riding the bike, warming the hearts of fans. This act highlighted Rinku’s grounded nature despite his rising fame.
Controversies
While Rinku Singh’s career has been largely controversy-free, a few incidents have sparked debates:
Kuldeep Yadav “Slap” Incident (IPL 2025)
During an IPL 2025 match between KKR and Delhi Capitals, a playful interaction between Rinku and Kuldeep Yadav went viral. After KKR’s 14-run win, Kuldeep was seen “slapping” Rinku in a friendly manner, leading to mixed reactions on social media. Some fans viewed it as camaraderie, while others criticized Kuldeep’s actions. KKR issued a statement clarifying the incident was in jest, and the players’ off-field friendship diffused the controversy.
BCCI Ban for UAE T10 League (2018)
In 2018, Rinku faced a three-month ban from the BCCI for participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 League without prior approval. The ban was a minor setback in his early career but served as a learning experience. Rinku returned stronger, focusing on domestic and IPL cricket.
Social Media Speculation on Caste
Following his engagement to Priya Saroj, Rinku faced unwarranted social media scrutiny regarding his caste. Some users attempted to dig into his background, leading to a heated online debate. Several fans trolled those prying into his personal life, defending Rinku’s right to privacy. This incident highlighted the intrusive nature of social media but did not escalate into a major controversy.
Criticism for Inconsistent IPL Performances
In IPL 2025, Rinku faced criticism from former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali, who cautioned him, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag to improve their consistency or risk losing their spots to emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan. Fans also expressed frustration over KKR’s management, accusing them of underutilizing Rinku’s talent by sending him lower down the batting order. Despite these critiques, Rinku’s match-winning cameos, like his unbeaten 38 off 15 balls, silenced many detractors.
Net Worth and Achievements
Rinku Singh’s net worth is estimated at INR 7–10 crore as of 2025, primarily from his IPL contracts, BCCI salary, and endorsements. His retention by KKR for IPL 2025 at a reported INR 13 crore significantly boosted his earnings. In contrast, Priya Saroj’s net worth, derived from her political career and family assets, is speculated to be higher, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
Key Achievements:
- Hit five consecutive sixes in IPL 2023, securing a historic win for KKR.
- T20I debut for India in 2023.
- Retained by KKR for IPL 2025 at a record sum.
- Won a motorcycle in a 2012 school tournament, changing his father’s perspective on cricket.
Interesting Facts About Rinku Singh
- Humble Beginnings: Rinku’s family was under a debt of INR 5 lakh, and he nearly took up a sweeper’s job before his cricketing career took off.
- Bat Collector: Rinku is known for playfully asking senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav for their bats, earning light-hearted trolling from teammates like Tilak Varma.
- Nickname “Lord Rinku”: Fans coined this title after his five-sixes feat in IPL 2023.
- School Dropout: Rinku left studies after Class 8 to pursue cricket full-time.
- Family-Oriented: He gifted his father a sports bike and remains deeply connected to his roots in Aligarh.
FAQs About Rinku Singh
Q1: Who is Rinku Singh’s fiancée?
A: Rinku Singh is engaged to Priya Saroj, a Samajwadi Party MP from Machhlishahr, Uttar Pradesh. Their engagement took place on June 8, 2025, with the wedding planned for November 18, 2025.
A: Rinku Singh is engaged to Priya Saroj, a Samajwadi Party MP from Machhlishahr, Uttar Pradesh. Their engagement took place on June 8, 2025, with the wedding planned for November 18, 2025.
Q2: What is Rinku Singh’s role in the Indian cricket team?
A: Rinku is a middle-order batsman and finisher, primarily playing in T20Is for India. He is known for his aggressive batting and ability to hit big shots in pressure situations.
A: Rinku is a middle-order batsman and finisher, primarily playing in T20Is for India. He is known for his aggressive batting and ability to hit big shots in pressure situations.
Q3: Has Rinku Singh been involved in any controversies?
A: Rinku faced minor controversies, including a 2018 BCCI ban for playing in the UAE T10 League and a playful “slap” incident with Kuldeep Yadav in IPL 2025. Both were resolved amicably.
A: Rinku faced minor controversies, including a 2018 BCCI ban for playing in the UAE T10 League and a playful “slap” incident with Kuldeep Yadav in IPL 2025. Both were resolved amicably.
Q4: What is Rinku Singh’s net worth?
A: As of 2025, Rinku’s net worth is estimated at INR 7–10 crore, driven by his IPL contracts and endorsements.
A: As of 2025, Rinku’s net worth is estimated at INR 7–10 crore, driven by his IPL contracts and endorsements.
Q5: Why was Rinku Singh ruled out of T20Is in 2025?
A: Rinku missed the second and third T20Is against England in January 2025 due to a low back spasm sustained while fielding.
A: Rinku missed the second and third T20Is against England in January 2025 due to a low back spasm sustained while fielding.
Conclusion
Rinku Singh’s journey from a small-town boy to a cricketing sensation is a testament to his resilience and talent. His explosive performances, grounded personality, and recent engagement to Priya Saroj have kept him in the spotlight. Despite minor controversies, Rinku’s focus remains on delivering match-winning knocks for KKR and India. As he prepares for his wedding and future cricketing challenges, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the “Lord Rinku” saga.
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