Do you know what’s common between Terence Lewis, Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni, and many more people? Well, it’s their belief in themselves, the hunger to change their lives for good and never stopping to work hard to realize their dreams despite all the obstacles life throws their way.
While you might have heard the stories of these celebs, here’s another tale of an inspiring person who once thought of giving up and becoming a sweeper. But now, he’s the star cricketer of the IPL (Indian Premier League) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
We’re talking about Rinku Singh.
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In the ongoing IPL tournament, KKR recently locked horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) and it was during this match that the batter smashed five sixes in the last one over and chased the remaining 29 runs to snatch the win from GT’s grip.
Even the co-owner of the team, Shah Rukh Khan, was bowled away by Rinku’s performance.
JHOOME JO RINKUUUUU !!! My baby @rinkusingh235 And @NitishRana_27 & @venkateshiyer you beauties!!! And remember Believe that’s all. Congratulations @KKRiders and @VenkyMysore take care of your heart sir! pic.twitter.com/XBVq85FD09
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 9, 2023
After hitting the unbelievable sixes, an emotional Rinku told the anchor at the post-match ceremony:
“My father struggled a lot. I come from a farmer’s family. Every ball that I hit out of the ground was dedicated to the people who sacrificed so much for me.”
“ My father struggled a lot, I come from a farmer's family, Every ball that I hit out of the ground was dedicated to the people who sacrificed so much for me" : Rinku Singh got emotional ( Post match ) #GTvKKR pic.twitter.com/GnjX9QJg51
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) April 9, 2023
Looking at the way he saved the team from defeat, it’s difficult to believe that the 20-year-old once almost quit the game. According to a report by Zee News, Singh made his List-A debut for Uttar Pradesh’s team in 2014 when he was just 16. But later in life, he also faced a 3-month ban from BCCI for playing in a foreign league.
The star cricketer comes from a humble family where his father delivers LPG cylinders door to door and his older brother drives an auto-rickshaw. Since his family was in debt, Rinku contributed whatever he earned from cricket to pay off their debts.
There was a time in his life when his father did not eat for 2-3 days because he could not play due to an injury and at that time he was the sole earner in his family.
Happy raksha bandhan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FCttREUhMc
— Rinkusingh (@rinkusingh235) August 26, 2018
That’s when he decided to give up his dream and sought his brother’s help in finding a job. His brother took him to a place where they asked him to become a sweeper. Adamant on making it big in the sport, Rinku refused to take on the job. He returned home and told his mother that he will focus on cricket instead of doing such menial jobs.
His hard work eventually paid off when both MI and KKR got into a bidding war to get him on their team at the IPL auction in 2018. Finally, KKR won the war and signed the talented player for a whopping Rs 80 lakhs, said reports.
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“Socha tha 20 lakh mein jaoonga, (thought I would get Rs 20 lakhs), but I was picked up for 80! The first thought that came to my mind was that I can contribute to my big brother’s wedding, and save up something for my sister’s wedding too. Aur ek achhe se ghar mein shift ho jaoonga (And I’ll shift to a good house),” Rinku was quoted as saying.
Now, the next time you doubt yourself and don’t think you can make it to the top, read about Rinku and his brilliant life story. It will change your mind.