LEGENDARY status for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains the ultimate goal for the next generation of Indian cricketers, as rising star Rinku Singh voiced his fervent hope that the iconic duo will lead India’s charge in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
In an era defined by tactical shifts and the emergence of T20 specialists, Rinku—who recently tasted glory as part of India’s victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign—remains deeply respectful of the veterans who have carried the nation’s cricketing hopes for over a decade. For the 26-year-old, the prospect of Kohli and Sharma hoisting the 50-over trophy is a narrative that transcends individual statistics.
‘Entire nation hopes they play in 2027’
The 2011 World Cup triumph remains the benchmark for Indian cricket in the modern era, a memory that still stokes the competitive fires of players like Rinku. Speaking to JioStar, the middle-order power hitter emphasized that the presence of Kohli and Rohit is vital not just for the team’s balance, but for the collective emotional psyche of a cricket-starved nation.
“They are legends, both Virat bhaiya and Rohit bhaiya,” Rinku stated. “Not just me, but the entire nation hopes that they play in the World Cup and are part of the team that goes on to win it. It would be a huge moment for the whole country, as who knows, it could be their last World Cup. It would be huge for them as well, because we haven’t won that trophy in a long time. We last won it in 2011. We hope both of them are with the team to lift that trophy.”
Crafting a Legacy Beyond the Highlight Reel
Rinku Singh’s ascent to national stardom is often traced back to that singular, electrifying evening in Ahmedabad during the 2023 Indian Premier League, where he famously smashed five consecutive sixes to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders to an improbable victory over the Gujarat Titans. While the world remembers him for those 30 runs in one over, Rinku is determined to steer his career toward a more substantial legacy.
“Right now, people know me for hitting those five sixes in one over,” Rinku admitted. “But what is on my mind is that I want to win the World Cup for Team India. I want to be part of the squad that contributes with the bat to bring a title home. I want people to know me more for that—for winning championships for my country—rather than just those five sixes.”
Breaking the ‘White-Ball Specialist’ Stigma
While he has cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in T20 cricket, having featured in 48 T20Is for India, Rinku is growing increasingly frustrated with the pigeonholing that keeps him away from the longest format. Despite his exclusion from the Test squad, he remains adamant that his skillset is far broader than his limited international exposure suggests.
“There is a perception that I’m just a one-format player, but if you look at my average in domestic cricket—both in one-dayers and four-day matches—it tells a different story,” Rinku asserted. “I have a dream of playing Test cricket for India. People shouldn’t view me as a single-format player. I can play all three, and I do play all three in domestic cricket. It is just that, for India, I am currently playing only one.”
Leadership and Personal Growth
As Rinku looks to expand his role within the national setup, he is also honing his tactical acumen. His recent experience captaining in the UP League and serving as vice-captain for KKR has provided him with a new perspective on the game. He credits his development to observing the masters of the craft, specifically citing the influence of Ajinkya Rahane and the aggressive leadership style of Suryakumar Yadav.
“I’m still growing as far as captaincy is concerned,” Rinku said. “I played a lot with Surya bhai, observing how he leads within the Indian team. I am learning from Ajju bhai (Rahane) as well. I’m working on my leadership skills, and I hope that there is something good in store for my future in that regard.”
A Journey Grounded in Humility
Despite his burgeoning fame and the high-octane lifestyle of a professional athlete, Rinku remains anchored by his humble roots. The journey from financial struggle to wearing the India jersey is something he revisits daily to stay grounded.
“When I look back at where I began, I didn’t have much, and now I’ve reached here,” he reflected. “That thought keeps running through my mind—the fact that there was a time when I had no money. Whenever I do something good on the field, I think back to how far I have come. It’s all God’s blessing.”
As India transitions into a new chapter of its cricketing history, the hunger in players like Rinku Singh is palpable. Whether it is through a pursuit of the 2027 World Cup alongside the legends of the game or a concerted effort to break into the Test side, Rinku is proving that he is a cricketer who is not content with the status quo. The fire that led him to hit those five sixes is now burning for a much larger, more permanent place in the pantheon of Indian cricket greats.
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