Rinku Singh’s story is the stuff of sporting folklore—a tale of relentless perseverance, unimaginable sacrifice, and a bond between a father and son that transcends the cricket field. From delivering gas cylinders alongside his father to becoming one of the most feared finishers in Indian cricket, Rinku’s journey embodies the classic underdog narrative.
This comprehensive biography covers everything about Rinku Singh—his early life, family background, the tragic loss of his father, his meteoric rise in the IPL, international career, net worth, assets, and his much-discussed engagement to MP Priya Saroj.
Personal Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rinku Khanchand Singh |
| Nickname | Rinku |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1997 |
| Age (2026) | 28 years |
| Birthplace | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Jersey No. | 3 (India), 35 (IPL) |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-Arm Off Break |
| Role | Batsman / Finisher |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Hobbies | Workouts, Playing Different Games |
| Marital Status | Engaged (to Priya Saroj) |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹28 crore (approx.) |
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Birth and Family Background
Rinku Khanchand Singh was born on October 12, 1997, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, into a tight-knit but financially struggling family . He is the third of five siblings, with two older brothers—Sonu and Mukul—and younger ones—Jeetu and Sheelu—along with a sister, Neha .
The family lived in a modest two-room flat provided by the gas company where his father worked . Every family member contributed to make ends meet—one brother drove an auto-rickshaw, while others juggled private jobs to keep the family afloat .
Parents: The Foundation of His Success
Father: Khanchand Singh
Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, worked as an LPG cylinder delivery man in Aligarh—a backbreaking job with endless hours and meager pay . He would lug heavy gas cylinders on his cycle and deliver them around the city, often traveling long distances in harsh conditions.
Initially, like most practical fathers, Khanchand pushed young Rinku toward studies over his cricket dreams. Every time Rinku would return from a game, he was sure to get a sound beating from his father . But when Khanchand noticed his son’s raw talent and unwavering passion for cricket, he transformed into Rinku’s biggest cheerleader .
A turning point came when Rinku won a motorcycle in a school cricket tournament for his lusty sixes . The good son immediately gave the bike to his father, who could now increase his gas-cylinder delivery trips without getting too tired . Cricket was making life easier for the family, and from that moment, Khanchand fully supported his son’s dreams.
Years later, after Rinku achieved IPL stardom, he gifted his father a Kawasaki Ninja sports bike, and a viral video showed the elderly Khanchand riding it with immense pride . Despite the family’s improved financial status, Khanchand remained deeply committed to his work, often telling Rinku he would “get bored” if he sat at home .
Mother: Vina Devi
Rinku’s mother, Vina Devi, held their home together as a homemaker, offering her quiet strength through the toughest times . When Rinku became successful, he paid his parents back for their sacrifices by buying them a new home and naming it after his mother as a heart-touching tribute .
The Father’s Final Battle: A Tragic Loss During the T20 World Cup
Khanchand Singh’s Illness
Khanchand Singh had been battling stage-4 liver cancer for over a year before his condition turned critical in February 2026 . The family kept the matter private for a long time, but the news became public when Rinku had to leave the Indian T20 World Cup camp to be by his father’s side .
The Final Days
Khanchand was admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21, 2026, after his condition deteriorated significantly . He was placed on ventilator support as his health worsened .
Rinku, who was part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, experienced unimaginable emotional turmoil during this period. Between hitting crucial sixes and taking stunning catches on the field, he was rushing to the ICU and helplessly watching his father on a ventilator .
He briefly returned home earlier in the tournament but rejoined the squad on Wednesday night (February 25) and featured as a substitute fielder during India’s Super 8 game against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai .
The Passing
On February 27, 2026, Khanchand Singh passed away in the early hours at Yatharth Hospital . Rinku left Chennai at 5:00 AM on Friday morning to rush to his father’s side .
A heartbreaking video captured from the stands showed Mohammed Siraj putting an arm around Rinku and walking him off the field—a poignant moment that reminded fans of Siraj’s own loss of his father during the 2021 Australia tour .
BCCI’s Response
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his condolences, confirming that Rinku would not travel with the team to Kolkata for their Super 8 fixture against the West Indies . “I would express my deepest condolences on behalf of BCCI to Rinku Singh and his whole family at this hour of crisis,” Saikia told IANS .
Tributes and Condolences
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh offered condolences on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) . The entire cricket fraternity mourned the loss of the man whose sacrifices had built an Indian cricket star.
The Unfulfilled Dream
Khanchand didn’t live long enough to enjoy the comforts he so deserved after a very tough life . He was there to see his son get on the stage he truly deserved, but wouldn’t be around to witness the moment when he possibly delivers on his promise as India’s trusted finisher .
In a housewarming video from 2025, Rinku’s sister Neha had proudly shown their new 500 square-yard two-storey villa with a pool, lift, and walk-in wardrobe . In that video, Khanchand looked frail but too pleased for words, happy to be in the home his son built . He never got to sit on that lounge chair in the balcony and sip tea while gazing at the horizon—a dream his daughter had shared .
Siblings: The Support System
Sister Neha Singh
Rinku’s sister Neha has carved her own path with education and stays active online as a vlogger . Her heartwarming YouTube video from 2025, showing the family moving into their new home, went viral . In it, she proudly introduces their new house with the emotional opening line: “Mere bhaiya family ke liye bahut karte hain” (My brother does so much for the family) .
Brothers
His older brothers Sonu and Mukul, along with younger siblings Jeetu and Sheelu, have all contributed to the family over the years . Despite his whirlwind fame, Rinku has kept everyone close, and his family pictures on social media show that he remains that grounded Aligarh boy at heart .
Cricket Career: The Rise of a Finisher
Domestic Cricket Breakthrough
Rinku Singh is the first player from Aligarh to play in the IPL, making him a role model for the city’s youth . He was the leading run-scorer for Uttar Pradesh in the group stage of the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy, with 803 runs in nine matches .
He has played for various domestic and IPL franchises, including:
- Domestic: Uttar Pradesh, Services, Rest of India, India A, Central Zone
- IPL: Punjab Kings (2017), Kolkata Knight Riders (2018–present)
IPL Journey and Salary Evolution
Rinku’s IPL salary journey reflects his meteoric rise:
| Year | Team | Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kings XI Punjab | ₹10 lakh | IPL debut as 19-year-old |
| 2018–2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹80 lakh | |
| 2022–2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹55 lakh | Salary dipped due to limited matches |
| 2025–2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹13 crore | Retained after breakthrough 2023 season |
The 2023 Breakthrough
IPL 2023 was the season that made Rinku an IPL superstar. He smashed 474 runs in 14 matches at an average of 59.25 with a strike-rate of 149.52, including four fifties . His most memorable moment came when he hit five consecutive sixes in the last over to give KKR a theatrical, impossible victory—a performance that etched his name in IPL folklore forever .
International Debut
| Format | Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | December 19, 2023 | South Africa | Gqeberha |
| T20I | August 18, 2023 | Ireland | Dublin (Malahide) |
International Career Statistics (as of 2026)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 45 | 665 | 39.11 | 155.73 | 3 |
| ODI | 2 | 55 | – | – | – |
Recent Domestic Performances
- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: 421 runs from 8 matches, average 84.20
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: 172 runs from 7 matches, average 24.57
Net Worth and Assets (2026)
Estimated Net Worth
According to various media reports in 2026, Rinku Singh’s net worth stands at approximately ₹28 crore . Some estimates place it between ₹22–28 crore depending on assets and endorsements .
Sources of Income
| Source | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| IPL Salary | Retained by KKR for 2025-26 | ₹13 crore |
| BCCI Central Contract | Grade C contract | ₹1 crore annually |
| Match Fees (T20I) | Per match | ₹3 lakh |
| Match Fees (ODI) | Per match | ₹6 lakh (approx.) |
| Brand Endorsements | Sports equipment, lifestyle brands | Lakhs annually |
| Government Job Salary | Sports quota job | ₹70,000–90,000/month |
Assets
Luxury House in Aligarh:
Rinku owns a lavish bungalow in Aligarh’s The Golden Estate in Ozone City locality, reportedly costing ₹3.5 crore . The 500 square-yard, three-floor villa features:
- Six bedrooms
- Private swimming pool
- Garden
- Rooftop bar
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Lift
- Front lawn with swing
He also owns residential plots and agricultural land in his hometown .
Car and Bike Collection
Despite staying grounded, Rinku owns several vehicles :
| Category | Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Cars | Ford Endeavour, Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra Scorpio N, Maruti Brezza, Maruti Swift |
| Bikes | Royal Enfield Bullet, Kawasaki Ninja (gifted to father) |
Lifestyle
Rinku Singh is known for his humble lifestyle despite his rising wealth . Coming from a modest family background, he often speaks about staying grounded and valuing money earned through hard work. His journey from financial hardship to IPL stardom makes his success story relatable and inspiring .
Personal Life: Engagement to Priya Saroj
Who is Priya Saroj?
Priya Saroj is an Indian politician and lawyer . She is a member of the Samajwadi Party and became the second-youngest candidate elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024 at just 26 years old .
She is the daughter of Tufani Saroj, a three-time Member of Parliament (MP) and current Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Uttar Pradesh . Priya defeated BP Saroj by 35,850 votes in the Macchlishahr Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 elections .
How They Met
Rinku revealed the charming story of their first interaction on Raj Shamani’s podcast :
- In 2022, Rinku saw Priya’s photo for the first time on a fan page called “Saurabh”
- It was love at first sight—he was blown away by her beauty
- He promoted a story on his own Instagram account, which led to their first interaction
- Priya liked a few of his photos, so Rinku decided to message her
- She replied, and they started talking
- Hilariously, Rinku admitted he didn’t know how to talk to girls, so he handed the responsibility to his KKR teammate Nitish Rana: “Rana Bhai talked to her”
The Engagement
The couple got engaged in June 2025 in a private ceremony at The Centrum Hotel in Lucknow . The event was attended by close family members, friends, and select guests from the worlds of politics and cricket.
Notable attendees included :
- BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla
- Samajwadi Party leaders Akhilesh Yadav, Jaya Bachchan, Dimple Yadav
- Cricketers Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla, Aryan Juyal
Sharing pictures on Instagram, Rinku wrote a heartfelt caption:
“This day has been in our hearts for so long – almost three years – and the wait was worth every second. Engaged – with full hearts and a forever to go.”
Wedding Plans
The wedding was scheduled for later in 2025 or early 2026 . According to earlier reports, the marriage was to take place on November 18 at the Taj Hotel in Varanasi . However, with the passing of Rinku’s father in February 2026, the wedding plans have likely been postponed.
Cricketers’ Reactions
Several Indian cricketers wished Rinku on his engagement :
- Venkatesh Iyer: “Congratulations guys”
- Yuzvendra Chahal: “congratulations”
- Rahul Tewatia: “Congratulations”
- Nupur Nagar (Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s wife): “Many congratulations to the lovely couple”
Social Media Presence
Rinku Singh maintains an active presence on social media platforms:
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @rinkukumar12 | |
| @RinkuSinghOfficial | |
| @rinkusingh235 |
Recent Social Media Activity
In January 2026, Rinku shared photos from a jungle safari at Pench Tiger Reserve with teammates Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Sanju Samson . He captioned the post “The Jungle Book,” and it garnered massive engagement, crossing 74,000 likes within an hour .
Fans flooded the comments with reactions like “Gunda log” and “Rinku bhai ne kya history padhi hai jo Pench Tiger Reserve mein Jungle Book ki baat kar rahe hain” .
Favorites and Inspirations
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Shot | Inside Out |
| Batsman | Suresh Raina, Sachin Tendulkar |
| Nature on Field | Aggressive |
The Nickname “Rinku”
Rinku Singh’s aggressive nature on the field has earned him the nickname “Rinku” —a term of endearment that fans and teammates use, though ironically his aggressive batting style is anything but “cute” for opposition bowlers .
Legacy and Inspiration
First from Aligarh
Rinku Singh is the first player from Aligarh to play in the IPL, making him a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers from small towns across India .
The Underdog Narrative
His journey from a cramped two-room flat to donning the Indian jersey is hailed as one of Indian cricket’s ultimate underdog stories . Growing up poor meant making tough calls—he juggled part-time work with cricket practice just to help his family .
The Father’s Sacrifice
The most enduring part of Rinku’s legacy will always be his father’s sacrifice. As Sandeep Dwivedi of The Indian Express poignantly wrote:
“For some—like the gas-cylinder delivery man from Aligarh or the auto-driver from Hyderabad—there is no rest, at least in this world.”
Khanchand Singh may not have lived to see his son become India’s trusted finisher, but his toil, his blessings, and his unwavering support remain etched in every six Rinku hits.
Rinku Singh’s story is still being written. At 28, he has already achieved what most cricketers only dream of—an IPL contract worth ₹13 crore, an Indian cap, and the love of millions of fans. But his journey is defined not by the money or fame, but by the values instilled by his father: hard work, humility, and never forgetting where you came from.
As he continues to don the Indian jersey and finish matches for his country, one can only imagine his father watching from somewhere, nodding his head in blessing, just as he did every time Rinku left home with a bag on his shoulder, touching his feet before every game .