Rinku Singh’s Journey: From IPL Heroics to India’s T20I Squad and the Story Behind His ‘God’s Plan’ Tattoo
India’s explosive middle-order batter, Rinku Singh, has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide with his remarkable performances on the field. Recently, as he prepared for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, Rinku made headlines yet again, this time for getting a new tattoo on his left arm. The tattoo features a tribute to his iconic phrase, “God’s Plan,” and a reference to one of the most memorable moments in his career—the five consecutive sixes he smashed during IPL 2023. This moment not only elevated his status in Indian cricket but also became a defining chapter in his journey.
The Tattoo: A Symbol of Faith and Triumph
Rinku Singh’s tattoo, which has now become a symbol of his meteoric rise in the world of cricket, features the words “God’s Plan” inscribed within a circle. Surrounding it are lines representing the areas where he hit five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal in a match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans during IPL 2023. The tattoo artist who worked on this design shared a picture of Rinku getting the ink on Instagram, revealing how deeply connected the cricketer is to the moment that skyrocketed his fame.
“God’s Plan” has become a personal mantra for Rinku, something he has referenced on numerous occasions. It’s a phrase that not only resonates with his personal faith but also serves as a reminder of his belief in destiny and perseverance. Rinku famously used this phrase to motivate Yash Dayal after the unforgettable over in IPL 2023. Despite hitting Dayal for five consecutive sixes, Rinku took a moment after the game to comfort the young bowler, who was visibly devastated. His words, “It’s all part of God’s plan,” turned into a viral moment, symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship and humility.
The Moment That Changed It All: Rinku’s Five Sixes in IPL 2023
The tattoo commemorates one of the most iconic moments in IPL history when Rinku Singh pulled off what seemed like an impossible feat. During a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, KKR needed 28 runs in the final over to win. Facing Yash Dayal, Rinku went on to hit five consecutive sixes, securing a miraculous victory for his team. His heroics not only etched his name into IPL folklore but also set the stage for his inclusion in the national team.
Rinku finished IPL 2023 as KKR’s top run-scorer, leading to his maiden call-up for the Indian T20I squad. His ability to deliver under pressure, combined with his consistent performances throughout the tournament, showcased his potential to be a game-changer at the international level.
Rising to Prominence: Rinku’s Journey with Team India
Following his impressive IPL stint, Rinku was included in the Indian T20I squad but did not make it to the playing XI during the T20 World Cup 2024. Instead, he traveled as a reserve player with the team, a move that kept him on the fringes of international cricket but also gave him the experience of being part of high-pressure tournaments. Although he didn’t get a chance to prove his skills during the World Cup, Rinku remained determined, knowing that his moment would come.
That moment arrived during the T20I series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. In the third T20I against Sri Lanka, Rinku singh made headlines not for his batting or finishing skills, but for his bowling—a facet of his game that had remained largely unexplored. With Sri Lanka chasing a challenging target, Rinku was handed the ball in the penultimate over of the match, a gamble by the team that paid off spectacularly. He bowled a near-perfect over, taking two wickets and conceding just three runs. His efforts pushed the game into a super over, where India eventually clinched victory.
This unexpected display of bowling prowess added another dimension to Rinku Singhs’s game, proving that he could contribute in ways beyond his established role as a finisher. His performance in the Sri Lanka series reaffirmed his position in the Indian squad and cemented his reputation as a versatile cricketer capable of handling high-pressure situations.
The KKR Connection: Shah Rukh Khan and the ‘God’s Plan’ Moment
Rinku Singh’s association with Kolkata Knight Riders has been pivotal in his rise to fame. His performances in the IPL, particularly under the leadership of players like Andre Russell and with the support of team owner Shah Rukh Khan, have been key to his growth. After KKR’s third IPL title win in 2024, Rinku shared a special moment with Shah Rukh Khan, where the Bollywood superstar embraced the cricketer and said, “God’s plan, baby.”
The phrase, now deeply intertwined with Rinku singh’s journey, encapsulates the highs and lows of his career—his belief in faith, perseverance, and destiny, all of which have shaped him into the player he is today.
Looking Ahead: The Bangladesh T20I Series and Beyond
Rinku Singh is now set to feature in the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Bangladesh, beginning on October 6 in Gwalior. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey once again, fans and cricket pundits alike are eager to see how he continues to evolve as a player.
His journey from a relatively unknown player in the domestic circuit to an IPL sensation and now a member of India’s T20I squad is nothing short of inspirational. With his “God’s Plan” tattoo symbolizing both his personal faith and his iconic rise, Rinku Singh represents the new wave of Indian cricket—players who are fearless, talented, and determined to make their mark on the world stage.
As Rinku takes to the field in the coming series, all eyes will be on him, not just for his explosive batting but for the promise and potential he brings to Indian cricket’s future.