India’s T20 World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by personal tragedy after Rinku Singh lost his father in the midst of the tournament. As India stand on the brink of a semi-final place, the 28-year-old batter has been struck by heartbreaking news: his father, Khanchand Singh, passed away in the early hours of Friday (27 February) at a hospital in Greater Noida.
The news was confirmed publicly by former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in a post on his official X account. Expressing his condolences, Harbhajan wrote that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of Rinku’s father, noting that the cricketer had remained committed to his national duties during the T20 World Cup despite the difficult circumstances.
“It is an extremely tough time for Rinku and his family,” Harbhajan wrote. “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.”
Illness and Final Days
Khanchand Singh had been admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida after his health deteriorated sharply in recent days. According to hospital spokesperson Dr Sunil Kumar, he had been battling liver cancer and was placed on ventilator support after being admitted on 21 February.
Dr Kumar stated that his condition worsened significantly over the past week. Despite medical efforts, he passed away early on Friday morning.
Rinku had earlier left India’s World Cup squad on 24 February to return to his hometown of Aligarh upon hearing of his father’s critical condition. He rejoined the team ahead of the match against Zimbabwe, attempting to balance professional duty with personal anguish. Tragically, within three days of his return home, he lost his father.
Rinku’s former coach, Masood Amini, told reporters in Aligarh 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 said.
A Father’s Sacrifice
Rinku Singh, a left-handed batter from Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district, has often credited his father as the driving force behind his cricketing journey. Khanchand Singh worked as a gas cylinder delivery man in Aligarh, enduring financial hardship to support his son’s dream of becoming a professional cricketer.
Friends and family describe him as a man of resilience who prioritised his children’s aspirations despite economic challenges. From modest beginnings, Rinku rose through domestic cricket to represent India on the international stage—an achievement he repeatedly attributed to his father’s unwavering encouragement.
Key Facts at a Glance
| 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 stages of the World Cup, the cricketing fraternity has rallied around Rinku Singh, offering support and condolences. In moments such as these, the game fades into the background, replaced by a profound reminder of family, sacrifice, and loss.