The Indian cricket fraternity, led by Virat Kohli, came together in an outpouring of support for Rinka Singh following the tragic death of his father Khanchandra Singh on February 27. Tributes flooded social media as players past and present offered their condolences to the grieving batsman.
Kohli wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Rinku’s father. My sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. May you always find strength in his eternal blessings. Om Shanti.”
Yuvraj Singh described it as “heartbreaking news”, expressing his solidarity with Rinku and his family. “In times like these, no words are enough for you. Being in solidarity with you and your family at this difficult time. May you find strength and courage in the love that surrounds you,” he wrote. Image: X
Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India also extended their support, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia offering his condolences. “On behalf of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, I offer my sincere condolences to Rinku Singh and his family. May they find strength and peace at this difficult time,” his statement read.
Image: X
Battling stage 4 liver cancer, Khanchandra Singh was admitted to Greater Noida’s Yatharth Hospital where he was on ventilator support. Rinku, 28, briefly left the Indian team camp when his father’s condition worsened ahead of India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe, rejoined the team in Chennai and has now returned to Aligarh to be with his family. Image: X
Rinku was not part of India’s playing XI for the Zimbabwe match as the team revamped their combination for the must-win Super 8s game. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel were brought in to adjust the balance, with Samson again slotted up top, Ishan Kishan moved down the order and Tilak Varma given finishing duties. Although he did not appear in XI.
However, Rinku remained involved with the team and took the field as a substitute during the match.
So far in the Rinku tournament, he has played five matches and scored 24 runs, contributing to his designated final role. With India set to take on the West Indies in the deciding clash in Kolkata, uncertainty now surrounds Rink’s availability for the rest of the tournament.
It remains unclear whether the 28-year-old will play any further role in the remaining matches of India’s T20 World Cup 2026, with no official updates from the BCCI or the team management regarding his participation yet. As India prepares for a virtual knockout, the team will also rally around their teammate during this difficult personal moment.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
27 Feb 2026 16:42 IST
