Rinku Singh's Father Khanchand Singh Passes Away During T20 World Cup

In a tragic development for the Indian cricket community, Khanchand Singh, the father of explosive middle-order batsman Rinku Singh, passed away following a prolonged illness, while he breathed his last at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. The news of his demise comes at a critical juncture as Rinku Singh is currently part of the Indian squad for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The cricketing fraternity has expressed deep condolences to the young cricketer and his family during this difficult period.

Medical Background and Health Complications

According to medical reports from Yatharth Hospital, Khanchand Singh was battling Stage-4 liver cancer, a condition that had Notably deteriorated over the past few months. He was admitted to the intensive care unit in a critical state. Medical officials stated that he was placed on mechanical ventilation as his vital organs began to fail. On top of that, he was undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy due to kidney complications associated with the advanced stage of cancer, while despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to the illness late Tuesday night.

Timeline of Rinku Singh's Movements During the Tournament

Rinku Singh had arrived in Chennai on February 23 to join the national squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Upon arrival, he was informed about his father's worsening health condition. Demonstrating immense personal strength, Rinku immediately traveled to Greater Noida to be with his family. After spending time at the hospital, he briefly rejoined the Indian team a day before the scheduled match against Zimbabwe, while while he wasn't included in the starting XI for that specific game, he participated as a substitute fielder. Following the news of the passing, it's expected that Rinku will take a formal leave of absence from the tournament to attend the funeral services in Aligarh.

The Inspiring Journey of Khanchand Singh

Khanchand Singh was widely known for his humble background and his pivotal role in Rinku Singh's rise to international stardom. For decades, he worked at a gas agency in Aligarh, delivering LPG cylinders to households on a bicycle, while despite severe financial constraints, he supported Rinku's passion for cricket, often taking loans to provide for his son's training and equipment. Even after Rinku became a household name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the national team, Khanchand Singh maintained his modest lifestyle, earning respect for his work ethic and dedication to his family's roots.

Impact on India's T20 World Cup Campaign

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management have extended their full support to Rinku Singh. While the player's absence will be a significant loss for the middle order, the priority remains his presence with his grieving family. Team India officials have indicated that Rinku is free to take as much time as needed before considering a return to the squad. His teammates and coaching staff observed a moment of silence during their practice session to honor the memory of Khanchand Singh. A decision regarding a potential replacement or Rinku's return date will be made in consultation with the player and the selection committee in the coming days.