Pretty sure there will be some tears when I wear the India jersey for the first time: Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh rose to fame and glory in the most recent edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), especially after the game where he scored 28 runs in the last over to hand Kolkata Knight Riders a victory. The 25-year-old, after his standout performance in IPL 2023, has now received his maiden India call-up for the Asian Games 2023. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2022 (postponed in 2023 due to Covid-19 pandemic). This edition of the Asian Games is set to take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8. The competition will be played in the T20 format, and this event will also collide with the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to start on October 5.

The Indian team will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, and will see several young and talented players putting up a fight to take India on top of the podium. Meanwhile, Rinku, upon his selection, stated that his parents would be more happy to see him wear the Indian jersey than him.  

“I am a strong guy but a bit emotional as well. I am pretty sure there will be some tears when I wear the India jersey for the first time. It has been a long and tough journey,” Rinku told RevSportz.

“Everyone dreams to play for India, wear that jersey. I don't think a lot about the future because the more you think, the more burden you put yourself under. I take life as one day at a time. But yes, whoever takes up professional sports wants to represent their country one day or the other,” he further added.

The day I don the jersey will be a day dedicated to my parents: Rinku

It is pertinent to mention that the Asian Games 2023 squad features several youngsters, including Rinku. While Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad will be leading the side, his IPL teammate Shivam Dube has also found his name on the list.

Apart from the 15-member squad, five standby players have also been named for the marquee event. However, Cricket has been played in the Asian Games twice before the upcoming edition, in 2010 and 2014. But it will be interesting to see if these IPL prodigies secure their place in the senior Indian team after this tournament. Rinku was elated, as he said that his parents will be very proud to see him in Blues.

“I know for the fact that my family, my parents, will be happier than me to see me wear the Indian jersey. They have been waiting for this for years now. They have seen my struggle, they have helped me, been with me through all my ups and downs. The day I don the jersey will be a day dedicated to them,” the left-handed batter concluded.