Indian cricketer Rinku Singh recently received a touching message from Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), after he was only selected as a reserve for Team India’s 2024 T20 World Cup roster. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the Men in Blue won the major event, but Rinku Singh was only able to observe the festivities from the sidelines because he was unable to join the main team.
Rinku Singh disclosed that he was requested to accompany the Bollywood actor and had to travel to Mumbai for visa procedures. The left-handed hitter, however, initially hesitated and even attempted to turn down the offer due to shyness. However, the King Khan soon gained the trust of the Aligarh-born, and he consented to serve in the chartered carrier.
Rinku Singh claimed that the KKR co-owner greatly uplifted and supported him during the trip.
I was on the standby list at this point and wasn’t chosen for the main squad. I had to go through the visa procedures after the team had already departed. The following day, Sir—a reference to Shah Rukh Khan—had to depart as well. I was ready to depart – by myself — and my flight had already been scheduled. I was really anxious when Sir or Pooja [Dadlani, Shah Rukh’s manager] ma’am learnt about it and suggested that I go with him. I thought, “Am I going to travel alone with Sir? How am I going to treat myself? What am I going to say? Rinku told RevSportz, “I tried so many times to refuse.”
But how could I refuse once Sir had said it? Indeed, a talk took place within the vehicle. He was encouraging me a great deal. I wasn’t having a great season either. He was therefore supporting me and explaining everything to me. He was therefore really inspiring me. I also sat on a charter flight for the first time, and Sir was with me. For me, those two hours were truly incredible. What more can I say? It was simply amazing. “So many lovely things happened,” he continued.
Rinku Singh is presently a member of India’s roster for the 2025 Asia Cup, where the team captained by Suryakumar Yadav will play the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10. With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching and India as the reigning champions, he will want to establish himself and solidify his place in the squad.
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