Not CSK!! Rinku Singh names the only other IPL team he will play for apart from KKR!!

Star India batter Rinku Singh has spoken up on the retention plans of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

The 26-year-old also named Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the team for which he would like to play if he does not get retained by KKR for the next season.

Rinku Singh has been a high-class performer for KKR ever since he got a chance in the Playing XI. It is because of his exploits for KKR that he got a chance to make his international debut for India.

The left-handed batter is small in size but packs a punch. His ability to finish the innings is one of the best in the Indian cricketing circles currently. His excellent numbers in international cricket speak volumes of the talent and the ability he possesses.

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Rinku Singh breaks silence on KKR's retention plans for IPL 2025 mega-auction

During a conversation with Sports Tak, Rinku Singh was asked about the IPL mega-auction and the retention plans of KKR management. Rinku responded that there has been no conversation between him and the KKR team management as of now.

"There have been no talks (with KKR management) about the retention plans or if I have to go in the auction. Let's see what happens," Rinku replied.

Rinku Singh has been associated with Kolkata Knight Riders since 2018. In the first three seasons, he got limited opportunities and wasn't able to make the most out of them. But things started turning around from IPL 2022.

Rinku Singh's record for KKR

The left-hander played seven matches in the 2022 season of IPL and scored 174 runs at an average of 34.80 and a strike rate of 148.72. It was just a glimpse of his future as Rinku was in KKR's Playing XI right from the start of the next season.

IPL 2023 turned out to be a game-changer for him as he single-handedly carried KKR's chances. Rinku smashed 474 runs at an average of 59.25 at a brilliant strike rate of 149.53.

In the same season, he also smashed 5 sixes off Yash Dayal to win the game for KKR against Gujarat Titans and became a household name.

Rinku Singh would like to play for 'RCB' if KKR doesn't retain him

During the same conversation, Rinku Singh was also asked about the team Kolkata Knight Riders do not retain him ahead of the next season. The youngster was clear in his choice and named 'RCB' as the team he would like to play for.

Based on his IPL performances, Rinku Singh made his India debut where he started with a bang. In T20Is, he has scored 418 runs in 23 matches at a staggering average of 59.71 and a strike rate of 174.16.

But a disappointing IPL 2024 season meant that he was not selected in India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. However, he was selected among the reserves. Despite a poor IPL season this year, he is firmly in India's T20I plans and can be the X-factor that India needs in the format.