Rinku Singh rose from a domestic cricketer to a celebrated finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders, now commanding ₹13 crore per season in 2026. His journey reflects resilience, starting with Punjab Kings in 2017 before making his debut in 2018.
One of the most surprising success stories in the Indian Premier League, Rinku Singh’s journey through the tournament mirrors an unforgettable cinematic plot twist. Today, he stands out as one of the premier finishers in IPL history. Known for his unyielding mentality and exceptional skill to rescue his team from tight spots, fans have lovingly nicknamed him “Lord Rinku” for his indomitable spirit. This powerful left-handed batsman entered the IPL universe in 2017 when Punjab Kings (previously known as Kings XI Punjab) acquired him after witnessing his outstanding domestic performances representing Uttar Pradesh. Though Rinku never managed to play an IPL game for Punjab, he refused to surrender, continuing to deliver strong showings in domestic competitions. In 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for ₹80 Lakhs, finally granting him the platform to make his debut. Early on, however, he struggled to capitalize on the chances provided to him. Rinku Singh’s first IPL outing took place in 2018, his maiden match after being drafted by KKR for ₹80 Lakhs. The game, held at Eden Gardens, saw him face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he managed just 6 runs from 6 deliveries. His name first appeared on the auction sheet in 2017. The Punjab-based franchise was highly interested in signing him and acquired him at the base price of ₹10 Lakhs. Rinku Singh’s initial IPL auction story illustrates how talent and relentless effort can transform a player’s destiny. Rinku Singh IPL salary. His IPL valuation has surged by more than 23 times over the years. KKR initially signed him for ₹80 lakhs, demonstrating immense confidence in his abilities. That faith has been richly rewarded, as he has since become a cornerstone player for the franchise. During the 2025 IPL auction, KKR retained him for ₹13 Crore, underlining that their partnership remains strong and far from concluding. As of the 2026 IPL season, Rinku Singh’s price is ₹13 crore per season. What is Rinku Singh’s per-season IPL salary? Currently, KKR pays Rinku Singh ₹13 Crore per season. Which IPL team does Rinku Singh currently represent? Since 2018, Rinku Singh has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders. When did Rinku Singh make his IPL debut? He made his debut in 2018 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens. In which IPL auction was Rinku Singh initially acquired? Rinku Singh first appeared on the IPL auction list in 2017. All images included are used for editorial purposes only. Licensing exclusively with Getty/Source.