India all-rounder Rinku Singh T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been marked by personal tragedy as his father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday due to stage-four cancer. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh shared the news on social media, sending “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to Rinku and his family.
Khanchand Singh had been receiving treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, but his condition worsened earlier this week, requiring ventilator support. This prompted Rinku Singh to leave the team camp ahead of India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Although Rinku returned in time for the match, he was not included in the playing XI, with Sanju Samson preferred. He did, however, appear on the field as a substitute fielder for Suryakumar Yadav and later for Abhishek Sharma, who needed treatment on the sidelines. India went on to win the match by 72 runs, posting 256/4 before restricting Zimbabwe to 184/6, with Arshdeep Singh taking three wickets.
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Rinku Singh T20 World Cup 2026: Family and Personal Tribute
Harbhajan Singh praised Rinku Singh’s commitment amid this difficult period:
“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.”
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
Khanchand Singh, who worked as an LPG cylinder deliveryman in Aligarh, played a crucial role in shaping Rinku’s cricketing career. Despite financial challenges, he ensured Rinku received every opportunity to succeed. Last year, Rinku gifted his father a Kawasaki Ninja bike worth INR 3.19 lakh, demonstrating their close bond.
India’s Upcoming Super 8 Match
Rinku Singh has now returned home to be with his family but is expected to rejoin the squad for India’s final Super 8 match against the West Indies, scheduled for Sunday, March 1, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This match will act as a virtual quarter-final, with the winner progressing to the semi-finals.
The tragic loss adds an emotional dimension to Rinku Singh T20 World Cup 2026, but the all-rounder remains committed to his national duties. Fans and cricket analysts alike will watch closely to see how Rinku performs in the tournament’s crucial stages.