Rinku Singh became a household name after his stunning exploits in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The southpaw emerged as the highest run-getter for his side, amassing 474 runs from 14 innings at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52. More than the impressive numbers, he caught everyone’s attention by finishing games for KKR from difficult situations.

In one of the games against Gujarat Titans, Rinku smashed pacer Yash Dayal for five sixes in an over to script KKR’s improbable victory.

Following his breakthrough IPL season, Rinku was rewarded a place in India’s squad and he has represented the country in two ODIs and 33 T20Is so far.

The swashbuckling left-hander is all set to play for India again in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 9 in the UAE.

Ahead of the continental showpiece, Rinku Singh reflected on his remarkable feat of hitting five consecutive sixes in the IPL, acknowledging that the match gave him a unique identity, not just personally but for India.

“Yes, people know me because of that match, and since then expectations have gone up a lot. I’ve received so much love from everyone. After those five sixes, I got a different identity altogether — not just for myself, but for the whole of India. For me, it was a huge moment. The team needed 29 runs, and then five sixes came in a row,” Rinku told TOI.

“It was like a dream — these things don’t happen every day. It happened to me, and I’m thankful to the Almighty for that. All the hard work I had put in over the years felt rewarded in that one innings. In that moment, I felt God gave me everything,” he added.

Team India have been slotted in Group A alongside Oman, hosts UAE, and arch-rivals Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.