Rinku Singh Celebrates 50th KKR Appearance with Special Jersey Presentation
Kolkata, April 03, 2025 – In a heartwarming gesture, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) presented a special jersey to Rinku Singh prior to their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium. This momentous occasion marked Singh's 50th appearance for the franchise, recognizing his significant contribution to the team’s journey.
Rinku Singh's Journey with KKR
Rinku Singh's rise within the KKR squad has been a remarkable one. Initially picked for a modest 80 lakh rupees in the 2018 auction, he faced initial struggles to secure a regular spot in the playing eleven. His utility initially lay in his fielding capabilities, but he gradually evolved into a valuable batting asset. The 2022 season saw him emerge as a key player, with his peak performance occurring in the subsequent year.
His consistent contributions and potential convinced the KKR management, leading to his retention for a substantial 13 crore INR ahead of the 2025 season – a clear testament to their faith in his abilities.
A Look Back at Key Seasons
- 2023: Singh enjoyed his most prolific season, accumulating 474 runs at an impressive average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.53. Despite his stellar performance, the team finished seventh.
- 2024: While KKR secured the IPL title, Singh's involvement was comparatively limited.
Singh's Impact on the Indian National Team
Beyond his achievements with KKR, Singh has also broken into the Indian national team, establishing himself as a strong contender for a place in the T20I squad. While a recent dip in form presents a potential challenge, his power-hitting capabilities remain a valuable asset, particularly in the middle and death overs.
Team Lineups and Recent Form
Both teams entered the match seeking a crucial victory, having each suffered two defeats and secured one win in their previous encounters.
KKR was coming off a heavy defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians (MI), while the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had lost their previous two games against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (capt), Simarjeet Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Zeeshan Ansari.
Kolkata Knight Riders XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Rinku Singh, Angkrisrh Raghuvanshi, Moeen Ali, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarty.
FAQs
Q: What milestone was celebrated with the special jersey presentation?
A: The special jersey was presented to Rinku Singh to mark his 50th appearance for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Q: How much did KKR pay for Rinku Singh in the initial auction?
A: KKR initially acquired Rinku Singh for 80 lakh rupees.
Q: What was Rinku Singh's strike rate in the 2023 season?
A: Rinku Singh's strike rate in the 2023 season was 149.53.
Q: Which team did KKR lose to prior to the match against SRH?
A: KKR suffered a significant defeat against Mumbai Indians (MI).