‘God’s plan’ unfolding for Rinku Singh after unlucky T20 World Cup miss

In the sporting arena, where careers turn on a knife’s edge and form are as fleeting as it is crucial, Rinku Singh knows a thing or two about redemption.

A few months ago, Rinku was left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad—a decision that puzzled fans, analysts, and cricket legends alike. But for Rinku, it was just another chapter in a larger, more divine script. After all, as his new tattoo reminds him, it’s all “God’s Plan.”

Since bursting onto the scene in last year’s IPL, Rinku quickly became a vital part of India’s white-ball setup. Known for his ability to soak up pressure and launch blistering counter-attacks when the team is in trouble, Rinku excelled as a finisher in the Afghanistan and South Africa series. His game was versatile—equally strong against both pacers and spinners—and unlike some batters who take time to settle, Rinku could go on the attack from the get-go.

Despite these skills, Rinku missed out on a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, as the team leaned towards having more all-rounders. The final choice came down to Rinku, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, with Axar getting the nod for his all-round abilities and recent form.

Cut to Wednesday night at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where India found themselves teetering at 41 for 3 against Bangladesh. The crowd, once roaring, fell into an uneasy silence. But in walked Rinku, a man seemingly unfazed by pressure or expectation, ready to turn the tide. What followed was a blistering display of power and timing, as Rinku sent the ball crashing over the boundary ropes and Bangladesh’s bowling attack into a spiral.

It wasn’t just a redemption story; it was a statement. Facing a low full-toss from Tanzim Hasan, Rinku launched the ball over third man, bringing up his fifty with the kind of casual flair that only he can pull off. As the ball sailed away, Rinku raised his bat, pointed to the sky, and tapped the fresh ink on his arm. His tattoo, inscribed with “God’s Plan” inside a ring, seemed to shine brighter than ever under the Delhi floodlights. This wasn’t just about runs; it was about purpose.

Rinku’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. It’s been a ride of highs and lows, from IPL glory to World Cup disappointment, but the man’s resolve has never wavered. His new tattoo, which he got inked in September, carries more than just words. The straight lines inside the ring symbolize the five unforgettable sixes he smashed off Yash Dayal in the IPL—sixes that catapulted him into stardom. That night against Gujarat Titans is still fresh in the minds of cricket lovers, but for Rinku, it’s simply part of a grander narrative, one written by something bigger than cricket itself.

Partnering with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who notched his maiden fifty in spectacular fashion, Rinku turned the match on its head. The pair added fireworks to what was shaping up to be a damp squib for India, propelling the side to a commanding total. Nitish, too, was brilliant, piling on 74 runs off just 34 balls in an innings peppered with boundaries and sixes. Together, they made sure India wasn’t just in the game—they were dominating it.

But the match was about more than just stats or milestones. It was about Rinku’s calm, about his ability to remain composed when the chips are down—a trait he credits to his mentor, MS Dhoni. “I talk to Mahi bhai a lot. He helps me stay calm,” Rinku revealed after the match. Calmness, power, belief—it’s a potent combination, one that continues to define Rinku’s cricketing journey.

Ever since his IPL heroics, Rinku has been India’s go-to man in high-pressure situations. His ability to launch counter-attacks and finish games is rare, and his numbers back it up. With 471 runs from 25 T20Is at an average of 58.87 and a strike rate of 175.09, Rinku’s brilliance is undeniable. And yet, the selectors opted for all-rounders like Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup, leaving Rinku on the sidelines. But for Rinku, that’s just part of the bigger picture, one he’s fully embracing.

Wednesday night in Delhi, though, was proof that God’s plan for Rinku Singh is still very much in motion. He’s not thinking about the World Cup miss anymore—he’s too busy rewriting his own destiny, one boundary at a time.