Team India batter Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the national squad in Kolkata ahead of the high-stakes Super 8 T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
The development comes just hours after the heartbreaking loss of his father, Khanchand Singh, who passed away on Friday morning following a prolonged battle with fourth-stage cancer.
A Personal Loss Amid World Cup Pressure
Khanchand Singh breathed his last at a hospital in Greater Noida. His final rites were performed in Aligarh, where family members, friends, and locals gathered to pay tribute. A grief-stricken Rinku was seen giving shoulder to his father’s mortal remains during the funeral procession — a deeply emotional moment for the cricketer.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla termed the loss “deeply heartbreaking,” while tributes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity.
Back for a Do-or-Die Match
According to BCCI sources, Rinku will join the Indian team on Saturday ahead of the must-win clash against the West Indies. The winner of this encounter will join South Africa in qualifying for the semi-finals from Group 1.
India, the defending champions, arrived in Kolkata on Friday evening as preparations intensified for the decisive showdown.
Rinku had earlier left the T20 World Cup squad after India’s first Super 8 fixture against South Africa to be with his ailing father. He briefly returned to Chennai to rejoin the squad before the Zimbabwe clash, and now, despite personal tragedy, is once again stepping up for national duty.
Rinku’s Tournament Performance So Far
The left-handed middle-order batter has had limited opportunities in this World Cup, often walking in with only a few deliveries remaining.
- Runs: 24 in 5 innings
- Best Score: 11*
- Unbeaten Twice
In 2026 T20Is overall:
- Matches: 10
- Runs: 115
- Average: 28.75
- Strike Rate: 132.18
- Best: 44*
While the numbers may not reflect his explosive reputation, Rinku’s ability to deliver under pressure makes him a key option in crunch moments.
Emotion Meets Expectation
As India gears up for a virtual quarter-final, Rinku Singh’s return carries emotional weight. From performing last rites in Aligarh to potentially finishing games at Eden Gardens within days — the journey reflects both personal resilience and professional commitment.
Sunday’s clash isn’t just about qualification — it’s about grit, belief, and rising above adversity.
