God’s Plan at 2:20”: Rinku Singh’s Journey from Aligarh to the Indian Cricket Team
From living in a modest home in Aligarh to lighting up stadiums across the globe, Rinku Singh’s story is not just about cricket—it's about belief, struggle, and destiny. For someone who once helped his father deliver gas cylinders, making his debut for India was nothing short of a dream come true. But like any real desi story, his journey has had its fair share of emotions, nervous moments, and yes, even tattoos!
🏏 The Big Debut: Rain, Nerves & No Batting!
When Rinku Singh finally wore the blue jersey for the first time in August 2023 during India's tour of Ireland, the moment was surreal. After years of hustling in domestic cricket and making a name with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, this was his golden ticket. But just like life, cricket too doesn’t always follow a script.
"Jab aap India ke liye khelte ho na, it's a whole different feeling. You’ve worked your whole life for this one thing. But I was really nervous, yaar. Mera pehla match tha, aur batting ka chance hi nahi mila!" said Rinku during a candid chat on Knight Bite.
The game was rain-affected, and under Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership, Rinku got a chance to field but never made it to the crease to bat. The rain, the cold, the nerves—it was all too much. “Thoda anxiety tha, tension bhi. But then I thought, chalo, fielding karne ko toh mila,” he added with a laugh.
🌟 Tattoo with a Story: “God’s Plan, 2:20”
Among the many things that fans notice about Rinku Singh, one thing that often catches the eye is his unique tattoo: ‘God’s Plan, 2:20’. While it may look cool on the surface, there’s a deeply emotional story behind those inked words.
Let’s rewind to the IPL auction of 2018. Rinku, a relatively unknown name at that time, was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping ₹80 lakh. That moment, he says, was literally life-changing. And the exact time? Yes, you guessed it—2:20 PM.
“Main auction dekh raha tha TV par, aur jab mera naam aaya, I froze. When the hammer went down at 80 lakh, it was 2:20. Us moment ne meri zindagi badal di," Rinku recalls with a smile.
He immediately got the time and phrase tattooed to always remind himself where he came from and how far he had come.
💸 From Struggles to Stability: What ₹80 Lakh Meant
For many IPL players, ₹80 lakh might not seem massive today. But for Rinku and his family, that money was everything. They weren’t from an affluent background. Life had been tough—financial crunch, basic facilities, and endless sacrifices.
“Hum logon ke paas kuch khaas nahi tha. My dad used to deliver gas cylinders, and we lived in a small house. Jab yeh paisa mila, sab kuch badal gaya,” Rinku said emotionally.
Here’s what that auction money helped him do:
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✅ Bought a house for his family.
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✅ Helped in his siblings’ marriages.
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✅ Gave his parents financial relief.
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✅ Allowed him to focus solely on cricket, without worrying about bills.
And that’s exactly why he got another part of his tattoo inked – the word “Family” next to “God’s Plan.” A simple, yet powerful tribute to the people who stood by him when he had nothing.
⚡ Breakthrough Season with KKR
2023 was the year when Rinku Singh turned from “just another cricketer” into a fan-favourite finisher. That season with KKR turned out to be a career-defining one. Known for his calm under pressure and fearless hitting at the death, Rinku became a household name across India.
Remember that game where he smashed 5 sixes in a row in the final over to seal an improbable win? That single moment made everyone sit up and say, “Who is this guy?!”
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🔥 Consistent performances
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🔥 Aggressive finishing style
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🔥 Cool-headed approach even in crunch situations
Rinku didn’t just win matches for KKR; he won hearts. It’s no surprise that he became KKR’s most valuable player and was retained for the highest amount by the franchise heading into IPL 2025.
🏹 IPL 2025 and What Lies Ahead
Rinku’s journey with KKR is far from over. In the upcoming season, he’s not just seen as a player—but as a core part of the team’s batting unit. In the latest game, even though he had a quiet start, he played a solid knock of 32 off 17 balls, showing why he’s still a match-winner.
"Form comes and goes, but confidence and hard work stay. Bas woh belief chahiye hota hai,” Rinku said in a recent post-match chat.
And he’s not alone. The Indian Premier League 2025 is heating up with thrilling matches, high-stake rivalries, and top players fighting for the Orange and Purple Caps.
Want to stay in the loop?
Here’s what you can keep an eye on:
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🗓️ Match schedules
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📊 Updated IPL Points Table
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🧢 Top contenders for Orange & Purple Caps
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👥 Team squads: CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, RR
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📲 Live scores & highlights
Log on to your favourite sports platform or catch India Today’s IPL coverage for all the drama, stats, and stories!
💬 Final Thoughts: A Story of Faith & Hard Work
Rinku Singh’s journey is more than just stats and scores. It’s a tale of sheer perseverance, faith in “God’s plan,” and family values. In a cricket-crazy nation like India, stories like his inspire millions.
From not getting a bat on debut to becoming a go-to player for finishing games, Rinku’s rise is the stuff of dreams. And somewhere between tattoos, tears, and triumphs, he reminds us all—never stop believing in your moment. It could come at 2:20 too.
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