The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced many interesting stories over the years. Since its inception in 2008, the league has not only spotted talent but also turned them into millionaires through its franchises. It has pumped money into these up-and-coming cricketers. However, it’s hard to find a story where a young man yet to make his debut in India decides to return to the sport that changed his life forever. Rinku Singh, who manages the Kolkata Knight Riders’ trading in the league, will set standards in that regard.
The Uttar Pradesh batsman became national toast when he hit five straight sixes in the match a few days ago, to give his side an unlikely win. Rinku Singh may not be among the highest-paid cricketers in the IPL, but that hasn’t stopped him from creating a haven for aspiring cricketers who wanted to succeed but were unable to pursue their dreams due to financial constraints.
He comes from a humble family where his father Khan Chandra Singh supplied LPG cylinders and his brothers Sonu (rickshaw driver) and Mukul (cleaner of the training center) were forced to help connect the two ends.
Rinku’s life was spent in his early years as a clerk rather than an aspiring cricketer. As a versatile, but also right-footed player, he has faced, and learned from difficulties and always found a good path for young talent. His dream will come true when the hostel opens next month. “He always wanted to build a haven for young players who don’t have the financial means to pursue their dreams. Now that he’s in a good financial position, he thought it would happen,” Masooduz-Zafar-Amini, Rinku’s childhood coach, told the media.
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Rinku Singh made his debut under Ranji in 2016 and achieved a place in Kings XI Punjab next year. Kolkata Franchise bought him for Rs. 80 Lakhs in 2018 and has been playing for them ever since. Amini started training Rinku around 12-13 years ago and has witnessed his struggles and rise to fame. The Headmaster now runs the Aligarh Cricket School and Academy on 15 acres of land owned by the District Association. Rinku’s older brother Sonu, who will take care of the day-to-day affairs of the inn, is delighted that his brother’s dream is finally coming true. “We supplied gas cylinders together when our father couldn’t, but we always wanted him to focus on cricket.
The sacrifices we made were worth it as he not only lifted us out of poverty but also decided to build a home for poor cricketers,” Sonu told this newspaper. The academy is currently occupied by trainees from neighbouring villages who live in rented houses.
Since most of them come from humble backgrounds, the shelter helps them find housing at a lower cost. “A dozen of our training students will move into the dormitory. They currently pay substantial rent, but here they can rent cheap accommodation and food. “They don’t have to waste time or money on travel – said the coach. There is also a small gym on-site. “Almost 90% of the work is done. The hotel complex will be ready next month. Rinku will inaugurate it after his return from the IPL. We hope that this facility will make life easier for these young people.”
