Rinku Singh's IPL journey from a ₹10 lakh buy to a ₹13 crore star, celebrated for his clutch finishes and never-say-die spirit.
Among the most thrilling success stories in the Indian Premier League, Rinku Singh's rise reads like a gripping sports drama. Now regarded as one of the most reliable finishers in IPL history, he earns admiration for his mental strength and knack for rescuing his side from tight spots. Fans fondly nickname him “Lord Rinku” for his relentless determination. This hard-hitting left-handed batsman entered the IPL stage in 2017 when Punjab Kings (earlier Kings XI Punjab) acquired him at the base price of ₹10 lakhs following his eye-catching performances for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. Sadly, he never got the opportunity to play for them in the tournament, yet he refused to quit and continued delivering strong performances in domestic competitions. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him in 2018 for ₹80 lakhs, finally giving him a chance to step onto the field. His debut match that year against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens saw him score just 6 runs off 6 deliveries, but it marked his long-awaited IPL debut. Rinku Singh first appeared on the IPL auction list in 2017. The Punjab-based franchise was highly interested in signing him and purchased him at the minimum price of ₹10 lakhs. His early auction experience highlights how dedication and natural talent can transform a player’s career. Rinku Singh’s IPL salary has skyrocketed—more than 23 times from his initial deal. KKR initially signed him for ₹80 lakhs and placed immense confidence in his abilities. That gamble has clearly paid off, as he has since become a key player for the side. In the 2025 auction, KKR retained him for ₹13 crore, signaling a long-term commitment between the player and the franchise. As of the 2026 season, Rinku Singh’s IPL salary stands at ₹13 crore per season. What is Rinku Singh’s IPL salary per season? Currently, KKR pays Rinku Singh ₹13 crore per season. Which team does Rinku Singh play for in the IPL? Rinku Singh has been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders since 2018. When did Rinku Singh make his IPL debut? He made his debut in 2018 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. In which IPL auction was Rinku Singh first selected? Rinku Singh’s initial appearance in the IPL auction came in 2017. All images are used for editorial purposes only. Licensed exclusively with Getty/Source.