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LAHORE: Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is mourning the loss of his father, Khanchand Singh, who passed away on Friday after a prolonged battle with stage-4 liver cancer. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where his condition had reportedly deteriorated in recent days before he breathed his last.
The tragedy comes at a crucial moment in Rinku’s professional career.
The left-handed batsman was part of India’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 when he received updates about his father’s failing health. Earlier in the week, he had briefly left the team camp to be by his father’s side. Though he returned to rejoin the squad, the worsening situation forced him to travel back home again following the news of his father’s demise. His immediate priority shifted from cricket to standing with his family in Aligarh during their time of grief.
Khanchand Singh played a central role in shaping Rinku’s journey from humble beginnings to international cricket. Working in modest jobs, including delivering LPG cylinders to support his family, he ensured that financial hardships did not extinguish his son’s cricketing ambitions. Rinku has often spoken about the sacrifices his father made — long hours of physical work, limited resources and unwavering belief that allowed him to pursue training and competitive opportunities. Those close to the family describe Khanchand as a quiet but determined supporter who took immense pride in his son’s rise through domestic cricket, the Indian Premier League and eventually the national team.
Members of the cricket fraternity expressed condolences soon after the news broke. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh shared a heartfelt message offering prayers and strength to the grieving family. Teammates and fans echoed similar sentiments across social media, emphasizing solidarity with Rinku during this deeply personal loss. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to provide support and clarity regarding his availability for the remainder of the tournament, though no official statement on his return to the squad has been confirmed.
For Rinku, the moment is a painful reminder of the human side of sport where personal sorrow can arrive in the midst of professional responsibility. As tributes continue to pour in, the focus remains not on cricketing results but on a son grieving the loss of a father who stood as the foundation of his dreams.
