Kolkata, April 30, 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has thrown his weight behind Rinku Singh’s bid for a spot in the Indian squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, underscoring the southpaw’s prowess as a match-finisher and his potential to shine on the global stage.
Singh’s meteoric rise caught the eye of fans and selectors alike during the IPL 2023 season when he delivered a stunning display of power-hitting, culminating in five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans. With an impressive tally of 474 runs last season, Singh’s credentials have been bolstered by his stellar strike rate of over 176 in 15 T20Is for India, including two half-centuries.
Expressing his enthusiasm for Singh’s World Cup aspirations, Shah Rukh Khan articulated his hopes during an interview on Star Sports, stating, “Such amazing players are playing for the country. I am really looking forward to Rinku, Inshallah being in the World Cup Squad and some other youngsters from other teams also.”
SRK applauds Rinku Singh’s Power Hitting and Composure under pressure
Acknowledging Singh’s limited opportunities this season due to KKR’s top-order dominance, Shah Rukh Khan reminisced about Singh’s debut season where he amassed 356 runs in 15 matches, exhibiting not just power-hitting but also composure under pressure.
The journey of Rinku Singh, hailing from humble beginnings, resonates deeply with Shah Rukh Khan, who lauded Singh’s perseverance in pursuing cricket despite facing adversities. Singh’s father, a former LPG cylinder delivery man, worked tirelessly to support his family, yet Singh remained steadfast in his pursuit of cricket, shunning alternate job offers to follow his passion.
“I just want them to feel happy, and when I see these boys playing, I feel like I am living as a sportsperson myself. Especially players like Rinku and Nitish (Rana), I see myself in them. I feel really happy when they perform well,” Shah Rukh Khan expressed, reflecting on his affinity towards budding talents like Singh and Nitish Rana.
As the cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates the BCCI’s announcement of the T20 World Cup squad, Shah Rukh Khan’s endorsement adds a compelling narrative to Rinku Singh’s journey, underscoring the triumph of talent over adversity and the enduring spirit of cricketing dreams.