'This has been a collective dream' - Rinku Singh opens up on journey from Aligarh to the Indian national team

After his impressive display in IPL 2023, where Rinku Singh smashed five sixes in an over for Kolkata Knight Riders, the 25-year-old from Aligarh is now geared up to showcase his skills for India during the upcoming tour of Ireland and the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

After his selection, Rinku said that his sole duty is to score runs, and if he gets the chance, he'll strive to perform and continue to work hard. 

"I don't overthink. I like to live in the present. Hope Almighty keeps blessing me. Working hard is in my hands, and I will do that and see what happens," Rinku Singh was quoted as saying by NDTVSports.

Expressing immense happiness, Rinku mentioned, "Obviously, my parents, brothers, and my childhood coach, Masood Amini, everyone is thrilled. This has been a collective dream." 

In his teenage years, Rinku's father used to deliver LPG cylinders to houses and hotels, which ultimately laid the foundation for his cricketing journey. Thanks to his performance in the IPL season, and several first-class matches, The Aligarh-born cricketer is now able to take care of his family. 

Despite urging his father to lead a more relaxed life, Rinku's advice goes unheeded. "I told Papa that he can relax now, but he still enjoys his job of hawking cylinders. I understand his perspective as well. After working his entire life, it's difficult to ask him to stop unless he desires to do so," said Rinku.

Having faced hardships, Rinku has developed a deep sense of empathy and a desire to give back to society, recognising that cricket has already brought him fame. He is currently building a small hostel adjacent to the ground in Aligarh, where he first played the game.

"I am overseeing the construction of the hostel, and since the cricket ground is nearby, it will be convenient for the kids. One of my elder brothers suggested planning something for these kids, and that's when we decided to build a hostel," explained Rinku.

When asked about incorporating a 360-degree range of shots in his game, like Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku maintains that every individual has a unique technique. "My style of the play revolves around the straight arc, and my coaches have always emphasized that my strength lies in playing within the 'V'," he elaborated.