Rinku Singh Celebrates 50th Match With Special Jersey

The IPL 2025 is now into its 15th match, and it is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both teams have had a rocky start to their campaign, winning only one of their three matches thus far, setting the stage for a crucial encounter between two quality sides.

One of the standout moments ahead of the match was the celebration of Rinku Singh, who was honored for reaching a significant milestone—his 50th match for KKR in the IPL. The left-handed batter was presented with a special jersey by KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, marking this occasion as a testament to his contributions to the franchise over the years. Rinku Singh made his debut for KKR back in 2018, and his journey has been filled with ups and downs, culminating in a stellar 2023 season where he scored 474 runs with an impressive average nearing 60 and a strike rate close to 150.

“50 matches. Unmatchable impact,” read the heartfelt caption on KKR’s social media post, reflecting on the significance of Rinku’s contributions to the team. This season, however, he has struggled to find his form, and KKR fans are hoping he can turn it around in his landmark match.

But the celebrations didn’t stop there. Rinku also had the honor of ringing the bell at Eden Gardens, a customary tradition to kickstart the match, alongside SRH's bowling consultant and spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan. The two were seen sharing a warm moment, symbolizing respect and camaraderie within the sport.

As the match commenced, SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that reflects the conditions at Eden Gardens. KKR made one change to their lineup, bringing in Moeen Ali in place of pacer Spencer Johnson, while SRH fielded the same XI that has seen them through their initial matches.

The teams took to the field, both looking to break out of their early-season struggles. KKR, coming off a heavy defeat to Mumbai Indians, was keen to start strong, while SRH aimed to bounce back from consecutive losses to Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

Rinku Singh, who was honored before the match, has had a challenging journey with KKR. Initially bought for ₹80 lakh in the 2018 mega-auction, he faced a tough start, featuring in just four matches that season. His appearances were limited in the following years as well, playing five matches in 2019 and just one in 2020, before missing the entire 2021 season due to injury.

However, his fortunes changed in IPL 2022 when he finally got a proper run, appearing in seven matches, and the following season proved to be a career-defining one. Rinku Singh emerged as one of the league’s most dependable finishers, scoring 474 runs in 14 innings, which earned him a call-up to the Indian T20I squad.

Before the 2025 season, KKR showed their faith in Rinku by retaining him for a whopping ₹13 crore ahead of the mega-auction, a clear indication of the trust the franchise has in his abilities. As he stepped onto the field for his 50th match, the atmosphere was electric, with fans hoping for a memorable performance.

As the match progressed, KKR faced a challenging start, losing two early wickets in quick succession. Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order. However, skipper Ajinkya Rahane and young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi were determined to stabilize the innings.

With the crowd roaring in support, Rinku Singh's presence was felt throughout the stadium, as fans eagerly awaited his turn at the crease. His previous performances have shown that he has the ability to turn games around, and this match could be another opportunity for him to shine.

As the innings unfolded, KKR fans were treated to a display of grit and determination from their team. Rahane and Raghuvanshi's partnership was crucial in reviving the innings, and the excitement in the stadium was palpable as the powerplay came to an end.

Rinku Singh's journey with KKR has not just been about numbers; it represents a narrative of perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges. His five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 remain one of the most iconic moments in the league's history, showcasing his capacity to perform under pressure.

As the match continued, Rinku's milestone was celebrated not just as a number but as a recognition of his evolution from an uncapped player to a key figure in KKR's lineup. The Eden Gardens crowd, known for its passionate support, was behind him, hoping for a magical innings to commemorate his 50th match.

The match against SRH holds significant importance for both teams, with each looking to find their rhythm and gain momentum in the tournament. KKR, with their rich history and loyal fanbase, has always been a team that thrives on passion and loyalty, and Rinku Singh embodies that spirit.

As the game progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Rinku Singh can deliver a performance worthy of his milestone. With a special jersey on his back and the support of the Eden Gardens crowd, he has every reason to make this a night to remember.

In the end, whether or not Rinku Singh shines in this match, his journey with KKR has been a remarkable one, filled with determination, achievement, and the promise of more to come. The IPL continues to be a platform where dreams are realized, and for Rinku, this 50th match is just another step in what could be a storied career.