NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders batter
Rinku Singh
has been with the same Indian Premier League franchise for seven years. Over the past couple of seasons, Rinku has begun to truly showcase his potential, delivering match-winning performances for KKR and earning a call-up to the
Indian national team
.
One of the finest finishers in the T20 format in India, Rinku remains part of India's
T20 World Cup squad
as a reserve player.
His contributions, however, have not been matched by a lucrative salary, as he earns a relatively modest INR 55 lakh at KKR. In stark contrast, his teammate
Mitchell Starc
commands a whopping INR 24.75 crore.
Speculation abounds that if Rinku were to enter the IPL auction pool, even a INR 10 crore bid might not suffice to secure his services. However, when asked about his current salary at KKR, Rinku displayed his humble mentality and contentment.
"Even Rs 50-55 lakhs is a lot," Rinku said in an interview with Dainik Jagran. "When I started, I had not even thought that I would earn so much. At that time, I was a kid, and if I got even 5-10 rupees, I thought I would get it somehow. Now I am getting 55 lakh rupees, so this is a lot, I should be happy with whatever God gives me. This is my thinking. I don't think at all that I should have got this much money or that much. I am very happy even with 55 lakh rupees. When I didn't have this, I realized the value of money."
Rinku emphasized that chasing money is not his priority.
"If I tell you the truth today, then all this is an illusion. You did not bring anything with you, nor will you take anything with you. You never know when time will change. I would like to say that you have to go back the same way you came. Stay grounded, what else," Rinku added.
Rinku Singh's philosophy is a refreshing reminder of the values of humility and contentment, especially in a world often driven by material gains.