The Emotional Story behind ‘God’s Plan’ tattoo has been revealed by Rinku Singh

Published by Pratik Patil on

Rinku Singh has opened up about the tattoos on his arms that symbolize the turning point in his life — the moment Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him during the IPL 2018 auction. The tattoos, one reading “God’s Plan” on his left arm and the other featuring a clock frozen at 2:20 on his right, commemorate the exact time when his life changed forever. He was signed for ₹80 lakhs, a sum that proved to be transformative for his family, allowing them to buy a home and easing the financial strain of his siblings’ marriages.

Rinku comes from modest roots in Aligarh, where he and his family once lived in a cramped two-room quarter. To support his family, he did odd jobs while pursuing cricket on the side. Despite the challenges, he worked his way up from tennis-ball matches and school tournaments to the Uttar Pradesh state team. His relentless dedication paid off, and he soon became a recognized name in domestic cricket.

Speaking in an episode of KKR’s YouTube cooking show Knight Bite, Rinku shared how the IPL deal changed everything. “”For my family and me, ₹80 lakhs was a huge amount when KKR selected me in 2018.” Before that, we had very little. That money helped us buy a house and support my siblings’ weddings. That’s why I got this tattoo to remind me of my family and the exact time my life changed – around 2:20,” he said.

Rinku has since emerged as one of the most valuable players in the league. Ahead of the 2025 IPL season, KKR showed their faith in him by retaining him for ₹13 crore, making him one of their top picks. Beyond the IPL, he has also made his mark on the international stage, playing 33 T20Is and two ODIs for India. Reflecting on his debut in 2023, Rinku recalled the nerves. “I was anxious. I didn’t get to bat, only fielded, and it was raining. But after a while, I settled in and everything felt normal,” he said.