Indian middle-order batter Rinku Singh has left the national team camp during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 due to a family emergency. According to reports, the cricketer traveled from Chennai to his home on Tuesday morning after receiving news regarding his father's deteriorating health. The Indian team is currently stationed in Chennai preparing for their upcoming Super-8 fixtures. This development comes at a critical juncture for the team following their recent defeat against South Africa.
Details of the Family Emergency
According to sources close to the development, Rinku Singh's father has been admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida following a sudden decline in his health. Reports suggest that his condition is critical and he has been placed on ventilator support, while upon receiving this information, Singh requested leave from the team management to be with his family during this difficult period. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly granted him permission to depart immediately. Singh left the team hotel in Chennai early Tuesday to reach his family.
Impact on Upcoming Super-8 Matches
The timing of Rinku Singh's departure poses a challenge for the Indian team management as they prepare for their next Super-8 encounter against Zimbabwe, scheduled for 26 February. Singh didn't participate in the practice session held in Chennai on Tuesday, while while there is no official confirmation regarding his return date, it's highly unlikely that he will be available for the match against Zimbabwe. The team management may consider including Sanju Samson or another reserve player in the playing eleven to fill the void in the middle order for the upcoming crucial games.
Rinku Singh's Performance in the Tournament
Rinku Singh has featured in all five matches played by India in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far. However, the left-handed batter has struggled to find his rhythm on the field. His scores in the tournament stand at 6, 1, 11*, 6*, and 0. Despite getting opportunities in every game, he has been unable to post a significant score, leading to discussions regarding his form in the lead-up to the crucial Super-8 stage. His highest score in the competition remains an unbeaten 11 runs, which has put his position in the starting lineup under scrutiny prior to this emergency leave.
Team India's Path to the Semifinals
India entered the Super-8 stage with a perfect record, winning all four of their group-stage matches under the leadership of Suryakumar यादव. However, their momentum was halted in the first Super-8 game against South Africa, where they suffered a 76-run defeat. To secure a spot in the semifinals, India must win their remaining two matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. The current situation in the points table necessitates clinical performances in the upcoming fixtures to ensure progression. The absence of a regular middle-order player like Singh adds another layer of complexity to the team's strategy for the remaining matches.