In an uncomfortable news, star Indian batter Rinku Singh has lost his father, who was battling cancer. Rinku, who was part of the team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium yesterday when India thrashed Zimbabwe by 72 runs, might fly back to Delhi anytime soon. While there has been no confirmation from the BCCI or Rinku himself, former legend Harbhajan Singh shared his condolences and his “heartful thoughts and prayers” on his social media.
Tough time for Rinku Singh
As per reports, Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh wasn’t feeling any better in recent weeks, with him being admitted at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. Battling cancer, he was put on ventilator support and now the unfortunate news has come out. Rinku, who played all the T20 World Cup 2026 games until yesterday, flew back to see his ill father on Tuesday. He missed the training session and didn’t join his team in Chennai until the eve of the match against Zimbabwe.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave a crucial update on Rinku, who landed in Chennai on Wednesday evening. However, he was left out of the team on the matchday, as Sanju Samson was preferred over him. It was more of a strategic call to disrupt India’s left-handed-heavy lineup. Samson opened with Abhishek Sharma, as the move did wonders, with India posting their highest T20 World Cup total ever.
However, Rinku was seen on the field as he came as a substitute fielder in the second innings. Incidentally, he even dropped Tadiwanashe Marumani off Varun Chakaravarthy’s delivery inside the powerplay.
Dr Sunil Kumar, spokesperson of the hospital, said Khanchand Singh’s condition had deteriorated after being admitted on February 21. “He was placed on ventilator support and breathed his last early this morning,”
Masood Amini, Rinku’s former coach, confirmed the tragic passing as well, stating that Khanchand Singh had spent the previous three to four days on ventilator support.
Rinku, who lives in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has frequently discussed the sacrifices made by his father. Despite financial difficulties, Khanchand Singh supported his son’s cricketing aspirations while working in the gas cylinder distribution job market. Despite his illness, he attended Rinku’s engagement ceremony in Lucknow last year, which was a heartwarming moment. The cricket player and MP Priya Saroj of the Samajwadi Party are engaged.
Rinku will be expected to attend the final ceremonies, which will take place in Aligarh later in the day.
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