Rinku Singh Grief Amidst the World Cup: In a heartbreaking development that has cast a shadow over India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, the father of star cricketer Rinku Singh, Khanchand Singh, passed away early Friday morning, February 27, 2026. Khanchand Singh had been battling Stage 4 liver cancer for over a year and was being treated at the Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida.
Rinku Singh, the 28-year-old middle-order powerhouse, has flown back to his hometown in Aligarh to be with his grieving family. The news was first shared with the public by former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who offered his condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.
Rinku Singh: The behind-the-scenes story of hero Khanchand Singh
To understand Rinku Singh’s meteoric rise from the streets of Aligarh to the global stage, one must look at the unwavering support of his father. Khanchand Singh was more than just a parent; he was the foundation of Rinku’s success.
For years, Khanchand worked tirelessly as an LPG cylinder deliveryman, navigating financial hardships to ensure Rinku had the equipment and opportunities to pursue cricket. Even after Rinku became a household name and an IPL star, Khanchand famously continued his work for a time, embodying the humility and grit that Rinku is now known for.
In a poignant gesture last year, Rinku had gifted his father a Kawasaki Ninja bike worth ₹3.19 lakh, a symbol of the gratitude he felt for the man who never let poverty stand in the way of his son’s dreams.
A Difficult Week: From the Camp to the Bedside
The past few days have been an emotional rollercoaster for the young cricketer. Rinku’s father’s condition deteriorated significantly on February 21, leading to his admission to the intensive care unit. Earlier this week, he was put on ventilator support.
Despite the immense personal strain, Rinku’s commitment to the national team remained steadfast. He briefly left the Indian camp in Chennai to visit his father in Greater Noida but rejoined the squad just before the Super 8s clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday.
The Zimbabwe Match: A Brave Presence
While Rinku did not feature in the playing XI—as the team management opted for Sanju Samson to maintain the batting balance—he was seen on the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as a substitute fielder. Watching him sprint across the turf and support his teammates while his father was in critical condition left many fans and experts in awe of his mental fortitude.
India ultimately won that match by 72 runs, posting a massive 256/4, fueled by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya.
Tributes Pour In
Former teammate and legend Harbhajan Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief:
“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. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul.”
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla also issued statements conveying their heartfelt condolences, noting the instrumental role Khanchand played in shaping one of India’s brightest talents.
What Lies Ahead for Rinku Singh?
The Singh family has confirmed that the last rites will be performed in Aligarh. Rinku is expected to stay with his mother and siblings for the funeral and the initial days of mourning.
However, sources indicate that Rinku remains determined to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing him win the World Cup for India. He is expected to rejoin the Indian squad in Kolkata before the final, high-stakes Super 8s match against the West Indies on Sunday, March 1.
That match at Eden Gardens—Rinku’s “home ground” in the IPL—is a virtual quarter-final. The winner will secure a spot in the semi-finals, while the loser will be knocked out of the tournament. The cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching, hoping to see the “Finisher” return to the crease to honor his father’s legacy on the biggest stage of all.