Middle-order batter Rinku Singh has voiced hope that batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup and carry India to glory, calling them national icons whose potential final World Cup appearance would be a landmark moment for the entire country. Speaking in an interview with JioStar, Rinku also pushed back firmly against the label of a white-ball-only player, asserting his ambitions in Test cricket.

Rinku's Message on the Two Legends

Rinku, who was part of India's victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign on home soil earlier this year, did not hold back his admiration. 'They are legends, both Virat bhaiya and Rohit bhaiya. Not just me, but the entire nation hopes that they play in the World Cup and are part of the team that goes on to win it,' he said.

He added that the emotional stakes are particularly high given both players are in the twilight of their careers. 'Who knows, it could be their last World Cup. So, it would be huge if they can win it for India. We last won it in 2011. So, we hope both of them are with the team, and that they lift that trophy,' Rinku said.

Beyond the Five Sixes — A World Cup Dream

Rinku first captured global attention when he smashed five consecutive sixes in a single over during an IPL 2023 match for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. But the 26-year-old is determined that moment does not define his entire career.

'Right now, people know me for hitting those five sixes in one over. What's on my mind right now is that I want to win the World Cup for Team India — contributing with the bat and helping India win. I want people to know me more for that, rather than just the five sixes,' he said.

Rinku, who has played 2 ODIs and 48 T20Is for India, was notably omitted from national squads after the Zimbabwe tour in July, making his continued hunger and public messaging all the more significant.

Breaking the Single-Format Perception

Despite his reputation as a T20 finisher, Rinku pointed to his domestic red-ball record as evidence of broader capability. 'There's a bit of that perception that I'm just a one-format player. But you can look at my average in domestic cricket, whether it's in one-dayers or four-day matches. I have a dream of playing Test cricket for India as well,' he said.

He stressed that while he currently represents India in only one format, he competes across all three in domestic cricket and does not see himself as a white-ball specialist. Notably, earning a Test cap would be a significant validation for a player who rose to prominence almost entirely through franchise cricket.

Captaincy Ambitions and Leadership Learnings

Rinku also spoke about his growing interest in leadership. He led his side to the title in the UP League and served as vice-captain in the IPL last season. He credited Ajinkya Rahane at KKR and India captain Suryakumar Yadav as key influences.

'I'm learning the ropes of captaincy, a bit from Ajju bhai at KKR and from many others. I played a lot with Surya bhai, so I kept observing him in the Indian team for two years and watching how he leads. I'm working on my leadership skills, and hopefully, something good is in store for me in captaincy,' he said.

Grounded by His Origins

Reflecting on his journey from modest beginnings to international cricket, Rinku said his past keeps him focused. 'When I look back at where I began, I didn't have much, and now I've reached here. There was a time when I had nothing, no money. Whenever I do something good, I think back to where I was and how far I have come from there. It's all God's blessing,' he concluded.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup still roughly 18 months away, Rinku's public push for a Kohli-Rohit swansong — and his own ambitions across formats — sets up an intriguing subplot for India's selection conversations in the months ahead.