Rinku Singh
Role: Batter
DOB: 12 October 1997
IPL Team (2026): Kolkata Knight Riders
Base Price: Retained (Last Auction Price: ₹55 Lakhs in 2022)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 60 | 57 | 17 | 1541 | 75* | 38.52 | 1018 | 151.37 | 0 | 11 | 103 | 96 | 27 |
| 2025 | 14 | 13 | 4 | 420 | 75* | 46.66 | 260 | 161.53 | 0 | 4 | 28 | 30 | 7 |
| 2024 | 14 | 12 | 5 | 380 | 65* | 54.28 | 230 | 165.21 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 28 | 6 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 474 | 58* | 59.25 | 317 | 149.52 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 29 | 8 |
| 2022 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 174 | 42* | 34.80 | 127 | 135.59 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 7 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 11 | 11.00 | 10 | 110.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 37 | 21* | 9.25 | 29 | 127.58 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 29 | 16 | 9.66 | 28 | 103.57 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 16.00 | 17 | 94.11 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Story of Rinku Singh
From delivering gas cylinders and sweeping floors to becoming one of the most feared finishers in the Indian Premier League, Rinku Singh’s journey is a testament to grit, perseverance, and raw talent. Hailing from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku’s humble beginnings instilled in him a relentless work ethic. His early cricketing days were marked by financial struggles, but his passion for the game never wavered. He caught the eye of scouts in domestic cricket, showcasing his powerful left-handed batting and athletic fielding for Uttar Pradesh, paving his way to the grand stage of the IPL.
Rinku’s IPL career began quietly with Kings XI Punjab in 2017, but it was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2018 that his potential slowly began to simmer. After a few seasons of sporadic appearances and battling injuries (missing the entire 2021 season), his breakthrough arrived in IPL 2022. He started showing glimpses of his finishing prowess, notably with a crucial 42* off 23 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, almost snatching an improbable victory. This season was the turning point, building the foundation for what was to come.
The 2023 season cemented Rinku Singh’s status as a bona fide IPL star and a national sensation. His name became synonymous with impossible chases and breathtaking power-hitting. The iconic moment arrived against Gujarat Titans, where he smashed five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal in the final over, turning a seemingly hopeless situation into a historic KKR victory. This innings, 48* off just 21 balls, showcased his incredible composure, clean hitting, and ability to absorb pressure. He continued this form throughout the season, consistently delivering impactful cameos and match-winning performances, earning him the moniker “Lord Rinku” among fans.
Rinku’s playing style is characterized by his powerful bottom-hand dominant strokes, excellent hand-eye coordination, and an uncanny ability to find gaps and clear boundaries under immense pressure. He’s a natural timer of the ball, equally adept at taking on pacers with his strong pull shots and spinners with his powerful lofted drives. Beyond his batting, he’s an exceptional fielder, patrolling the outfield with agility and possessing a strong arm, often saving crucial runs and taking spectacular catches. His calm demeanor, even in the most high-stakes situations, makes him a true clutch player.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Rinku Singh’s IPL journey began with a single season at Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). He was picked up for ₹10 lakhs in the 2017 auction but featured in just one match, scoring 16 runs. It was a brief stint, but it marked his entry into the league.
In the 2018 mega-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired Rinku Singh for a significant ₹80 lakhs. This move proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. While his initial seasons (2018-2020) with KKR saw limited opportunities, he remained a part of the squad, honing his skills. He missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee injury, a setback that could have derailed many careers. However, KKR showed faith, retaining him for ₹55 lakhs ahead of the 2022 mega-auction.
This retention proved to be a masterstroke. From 2022 onwards, Rinku blossomed into the finisher KKR had always hoped for. His performances in 2023 were nothing short of spectacular, transforming him into a fan favorite and a vital cog in KKR’s middle order. His consistent heroics ensured his continued retention by KKR for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons, solidifying his place as a loyal Knight Rider and a cornerstone of their batting lineup.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Rinku Singh has evolved into a premium betting asset, particularly for prop bets and late-innings scenarios. His primary strength lies in his exceptional finishing ability and remarkable composure under pressure. Since 2023, his strike rate in the death overs (overs 16-20) has consistently been among the best in the league, making him a strong candidate for ‘Over’ bets on individual runs when KKR bats second or needs a late surge.
He thrives on flat pitches and smaller grounds where his power-hitting can be maximized. His ability to hit both pace and spin effectively means he isn’t easily tied down by specific bowling matchups, though high-pace, accurate yorkers early in his innings can sometimes pose a challenge. Bettors should look for opportunities when KKR’s top order provides a solid platform, allowing Rinku to come in with 6-8 overs remaining and accelerate. His high average for a finisher also makes him a reliable pick for ‘Highest Scorer for KKR’ in games where the top order might struggle, and he gets enough balls.
Consider betting on Rinku for ‘Player of the Match’ if KKR is chasing a high total, as his match-winning cameos often grab headlines. His fielding prowess also adds value, potentially contributing to ‘Total Catches’ or ‘Run Outs’ markets. Conversely, betting against him might be considered if KKR suffers a top-order collapse, leaving him with too much to do too early, or on slow, turning tracks where quick scoring can be difficult. His consistency since 2023, however, makes him a generally safe bet for impactful contributions.
Key Records & Milestones
- First player in IPL history to hit five consecutive sixes in the final over of a successful run-chase (vs Gujarat Titans, 2023).
- Holds one of the highest batting averages for a specialist finisher in an IPL season (59.25 in 2023).
- Scored the most runs in the 20th over of an IPL season (66 runs in 2023).
- One of the few players to score four half-centuries in a single IPL season while batting primarily at number 5 or lower (2023).
- Reached 1000 IPL runs with a strike rate exceeding 150, showcasing his explosive impact.
IPL Season Highlights
2023 Season: The Breakthrough Star
The 2023 season was Rinku Singh’s coming-out party. His most iconic performance was undoubtedly against Gujarat Titans, where he smashed an unbelievable 48* off 21 balls, including five sixes in the final over off Yash Dayal, to seal a miraculous victory for KKR. This wasn’t a one-off; he consistently delivered under pressure. Against Chennai Super Kings, he scored a crucial 58* off 43 balls in a successful chase. He also played a vital role with 46* off 33 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore, guiding KKR to a strong total. His season tally of 474 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52 made him KKR’s top scorer and one of the league’s most impactful players.
2024 Season: Consolidating His Reputation
Building on his sensational 2023, Rinku continued to be KKR’s trusted finisher in 2024. He played several match-defining innings, including a blistering 65* off 28 balls against Mumbai Indians, guiding KKR to a competitive total after a top-order wobble. His consistent ability to find boundaries and rotate strike in the death overs saw him accumulate 380 runs at an even higher strike rate of 165.21, proving his 2023 heroics were no fluke. He continued to be a nightmare for opposition bowlers in the final overs.
2025 Season: Leading the Charge
By 2025, Rinku Singh was an established star, often promoted up the order when quick runs were needed. He delivered his highest individual score of 75* off just 35 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, an innings filled with powerful sixes that propelled KKR to a formidable score. He ended the season with 420 runs, maintaining a strike rate above 160 and once again proving his mettle as one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the IPL. His consistent performances in these recent seasons have made him indispensable to KKR’s plans.