IPL 2018: Never thought I will go for such a huge money, says Rinku Singh after IPL contract with KKR

Rinku Singh was picked up for 80 lakh by KKR.

Rinku Singh in black T-shirt with his family | Indian express file photo

Uttar Pradesh all-rounder –Rinku Singh, who lives in a in a tin-roofed two-room quarters within the premises of an LPG distribution company’s storage compound near Aligarh stadium, took social media by storm when he was drafted into an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise in four times more than the base price of Rs 20 lakh in IPL Auction 2018 in Bangalore.

The left-handed opener, who is known for his explosive batting, and his parents – father Khand Chand, an LPG delivery man in Aligarh, and Vina Devi –a housewife overjoyed with his bid.

The fight between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) was going on for a long time to buy Rinku, but at the end, KKR bidding four times more than the base price and secured him for 80 Lakh for the 11th season of the cash-rich T20 league, starting from 7 April in Mumbai.

Although, it can be a small amount for someone, but was a hefty amount for Rinku as his father Khanchandra delivers LPG cylinders to homes, an elder brother drives an autorickshaw while another brother works in a coaching center for the living.

The 20-year-old all-rounder was at his home when the two big franchises of the mega event –MI and KKR were fighting for him, watching the dream spread out live on the television.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Rinku Singh said, “Socha tha 20 lakh mein jaoonga, (thought I would get 20 lakhs), but I was picked up for 80! The first thought that came to the mind was that I can contribute in my big brother’s wedding, and save up something for my sister’s wedding too. Aur ek achhe se ghar mein shift ho jaoonga.”

He further added, “Father used to earn some Rs 6-7 thousand monthly, as was the elder brother. My family is a bit big and I had no option other than to focus hard on cricket. Life mein struggle bahut kiya, may be God is repaying for those days.”

Meanwhile his father –Chand told Hindustan Times, “May the Almighty give him more successes.”

While his sister-in-law, Arti said, “With Rinku getting picked for Rs10 lakh last year, the condition of our household had improved. This year, he was expecting to be picked for Rs 40 lakh. However, the auction result was way better than that. Everyone here is overjoyed.”

While searching a job for the living, Rink revealed he was once asked me to be a domestic worker — saaf, safaai aur pochaa maarna (sweeping and mopping). I came back home and told my morther, ‘I will not go again. Let me just try my luck in cricket.”

Commenting on his IPL contract with KKR, the all-rounder, who has scored 692 runs with an average of 49 in nine Ranji Trophy games for UP, said his knock of a 31-ball 91 runs in MI's camp played the key role in bagging the deal. He also credited his coach and UP support staff for his success.

He further added, “I think that knock made an impact. My domestic season had gone fine and I was hoping that someone might take me but never thought I will go for such a huge money.”

There are total nine members in his family, Rinku said his dream of organizing a grand wedding for his sister Neha will realize with the success in IPL auction. He added, “Last year, after being picked in the auction, I started dreaming of organizing a glittering wedding for my sister. Now that KKR has taken me for Rs 80 lakh, my dream has strengthened.”

Meanwhile, Regional sports officer Rani Prakash said, “Rinku has achieved a notable place for himself. The sports department is with him. We hope and pray that he will work hard and play with dedication. Soon, he could be in the Indian national team!”

In 2009, he has started playing cricket, while selected in the UP Under-16 team in 2012 and then made it to the UP Under-19 team in 2013. His coach Masud-uz-Zafar Amini said, “We are all elated ever since we heard of his auction on Monday morning,”

 

 

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 30 Jan, 2018

    Share Via