India’s T20 World Cup campaign has been struck by sorrow after Rinku Singh lost his father during the tournament. With India on the verge of securing a semi-final berth, the 28-year-old left-handed batter received the devastating news that his father, Khanchand Singh, had passed away in the early hours of Friday (27 February) at a hospital in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The news was confirmed by former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in a message posted on his official X account. Offering his condolences, Harbhajan wrote that he was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Rinku’s father and praised the cricketer’s commitment to national duty during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite the grave personal circumstances.
“It is an extremely tough time for Rinku and his family,” Harbhajan said. “My thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family.”
Battle With Illness
Khanchand Singh had been admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on 21 February after his health deteriorated sharply. According to hospital spokesperson Dr Sunil Kumar, he had been battling liver cancer and was placed on ventilator support in his final days.
Doctors indicated that his condition worsened considerably over the past week despite intensive medical care. He passed away in the early hours of Friday morning.
Rinku had temporarily left India’s World Cup squad on 24 February to return to his hometown of Aligarh after learning of his father’s critical condition. In a display of professionalism and emotional resilience, he rejoined the national team ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. Tragically, within days of his visit home, he lost his father.
Rinku’s former coach, Masood Amini, confirmed that Khanchand Singh had been seriously ill for some time. “He had liver cancer and had been on a ventilator for the last three to four days,” Amini told reporters in Aligarh.
A Story of Sacrifice and Determination
Hailing from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, Rinku Singh has frequently spoken of his father’s sacrifices. Khanchand Singh worked as a gas cylinder delivery man, labouring tirelessly to support his family despite financial hardship. It was through those efforts that Rinku was able to pursue his cricketing ambitions.
Family friends describe Khanchand as a devoted father who placed his children’s dreams above his own comfort. From modest beginnings in domestic cricket, Rinku rose steadily through the ranks to represent India on the international stage—an achievement he consistently attributed to his father’s encouragement and perseverance.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of deceased | Khanchand Singh |
| Relationship | Father of Rinku Singh |
| Date of passing | 27 February 2026 (early morning) |
| Place of death | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Hospital | Yatharth Hospital |
| Cause of illness | Liver cancer |
| Residence | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh |
The family has confirmed that the funeral will take place in Aligarh, where Rinku will be present to perform the final rites.
As India prepare for the decisive phase of the T20 World Cup, the cricketing fraternity has rallied around Rinku Singh in solidarity. At a moment when sporting ambitions typically dominate headlines, this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder that beyond the boundary ropes, family and sacrifice remain paramount.