Cricket World Mourns: Rinku Singh’s Father Passes Away Amid T20 World Cup

NEW DELHI — The news of the demise was shared by veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh on social media. Harbhajan praised Rinku for his immense strength, noting that the 28-year-old remains committed to his national duties with Team India even during this profound personal tragedy.

1. A Father’s Legacy of Sacrifice

Khanchand Singh’s story is widely known as the backbone of Rinku’s “rags-to-riches” journey:

• Professional Hardship: For years, Khanchand worked as an LPG cylinder deliveryman in Aligarh, often carrying heavy loads to ensure his son had the equipment and coaching necessary to pursue cricket.
• A Son’s Gratitude: Last year, in a viral moment that touched fans across India, Rinku gifted his father a Kawasaki Ninja bike worth ₹3.19 lakh, a symbol of the family’s transition from financial struggle to success.

2. T20 World Cup: Duty Amidst Grief

Rinku Singh is currently part of the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

• Camp Departure: Rinku had briefly left the team camp in Chennai earlier this week to visit his ailing father in Greater Noida.
• The Zimbabwe Match: He returned in time for the Super 8s clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday. While he was not in the starting XI (with Sanju Samson preferred), Rinku showed his professional mettle by taking the field as a substitute for Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma.
• Match Result: India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs, thanks to dominant performances by Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya.

3. What’s Next for Team India?

Despite the tragedy, Rinku is expected to travel with the team to Kolkata.

• The Virtual Quarter-Final: India faces the West Indies on Sunday, March 1, at the iconic Eden Gardens.
• The Stakes: This is a “do-or-die” match; the winner will secure a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Fact Sheet: Rinku Singh & Khanchand Singh