Published: Feb 27, 2026, 09:11 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 27, 2026, 11:05 AM (IST)
Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday after fighting stage-four cancer. He was being treated at a hospital in Greater Noida, but his health took a serious turn for the worse earlier this week.
Rinku, who is part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2026, rushed to be by his father’s side before the important Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. Doctors had to put Khanchand on ventilator support as his condition became critical. Rinku managed to return to the team in time for the match, but he did not get a place in the playing XI. Sanju Samson took his spot in the lineup.
Khanchand had been battling cancer for some time. The family kept the matter private while Rinku focused on his cricket duties. Rinku travelled home to spend time with his father when things looked serious, but sadly Khanchand could not recover.
Rinku came back to join the squad for the Zimbabwe game, showing his commitment to both family and team. The Indian team management and players have stood by him during this difficult moment.
Rinku has been a key finisher for India in recent times, but he did not get to play in the Zimbabwe match. The team chose Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper-batter in his place.
This loss has come at a tough time for Rinku while the team is fighting to stay alive in the Super 8 stage. The entire Indian cricket family and fans have sent their love and support to Rinku and his family during this sad period.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh took to social media to send his “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to the entire family.
In an X post, Harbhajan wrote, “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 and his loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family.”
Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Devajit Saikia expressed condolences to left-handed batter Rinku Singh and his family after the cricketer’s father, Khanchand Singh, died following a prolonged battle with liver cancer.
Rinku, who is part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, left Chennai at 5:00 am to rush to New Delhi and is now believed to be on his way to his hometown Aligarh for the last rites of Khanchand.
Saikia also confirmed that Rinku will not travel with the team to Kolkata for their next Super Eights fixture against the West Indies, to be played on Sunday.
“I would express my deepest condolences on behalf of BCCI to Rinku Singh and his whole family at this hour of crisis. He left for Delhi from Chennai at 5am to rush to the hospital in Greater Noida, where his father was undergoing treatment.
“So, he will not be travelling with the Indian team to Kolkata in the flight scheduled for this afternoon. Once we get any updated information on Rinku, we’ll let you know,” said Saikia to IANS.
With IANS Inputs
