Rinku Singh loses father during T20 World Cup duty, cricket fraternity mourns

India batter Rinku Singh rushed to hospital after learning about his father’s critical condition, but returned to national duty before tragedy struck.

Team India’s explosive middle-order batter Rinku Singh is going through an emotionally devastating phase after the passing of his father, Khanchand Singh, who succumbed to stage-four cancer on Friday. His death has left the family shattered, with the entire cricket fraternity expressing deep sorrow and support for the young cricketer.

Khanchand Singh had been battling advanced-stage cancer for several months and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Greater Noida. Over the past few days, his health deteriorated rapidly, prompting doctors to place him on ventilator support. Despite intensive medical care, his condition failed to improve, and he breathed his last on Friday.

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At the time of this personal crisis, Rinku Singh was part of India’s squad for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. On receiving news of his father’s worsening condition, he immediately rushed to the hospital to be by his side. After meeting his father and assessing the situation, Rinku returned to rejoin the national team, displaying remarkable professional commitment despite emotional distress.

However, he was not included in the playing XI for India’s match against Zimbabwe, with Sanju Samson being named in the final lineup. Soon after, the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing reached the family, plunging them into deep grief.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his condolences through a heartfelt message on social media platform X. He described the loss as deeply painful, especially during a major international tournament, and extended his prayers for strength and courage to Rinku and his family during this difficult time.

Pained to learn about the demise of Shri Khanchand Singh Ji, father of Rinku Singh. This must be an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family, even as he remains committed to his responsibilities during the T20 World Cup.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with him…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 27, 2026

Coming from a background of extreme financial hardship, Rinku Singh’s journey to the Indian cricket team has been nothing short of inspirational. His father stood as his strongest support throughout this journey. This sudden loss has marked a deeply emotional moment in Rinku’s life, with fans across the country expressing solidarity and sympathy.