India head coach Gautam Gambhir paid a moving tribute to Rinku Singh during a team meeting ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens. The coach praised him for rejoining the team days after his father’s death.
Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchandra Singh, died on February 27 after battling stage 4 liver cancer. He died at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida.
The tragedy occurred when Rinku was on duty in the T20 World Cup with India. He had earlier left the team to visit his ailing father ahead of India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. He then returned to the platoon in Chennai.
When his father died, Rinku flew from Chennai to his hometown, Aligarh. He performed the last rites before rejoining the Indian camp.
‘You are not alone’: Gambhir’s message to Rinku
Gambhir addressed the squad ahead of the must-win West Indies game. He singled out the 28-year-old for his courage.
“Guys, before I start. Rinku, it takes a lot of character to join the team. Remember one thing: you are not alone. The whole team is standing by you during this hour, so be strong,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir urges the team to embrace the pressure
The head coach then talked about how to handle the intensity of an elimination home game.
“Guys, the pressure will be there. One thing is very clear: make sure we don’t hide from the pressure. We will accept it, we will face it and if at any time we feel we are under pressure, make sure we go in a positive way,” Gambhir told his players.
“Enjoy playing this game, this is what you play this game for, this sport, this is what you’ve played your whole life for, games like this at home, a knock-out kind of game, so make sure we go there excited, not under any pressure.”
He urged the team to stay positive in the hours leading up to the game.
“Any time in the next 40 hours, if you feel the pressure, make sure we go in a positive way. OK, be brave, be brave. Enjoy it. Enjoy playing for the country and most importantly enjoy playing for each other,” Gambhir added.
The moment highlighted Gambhir’s compassionate leadership. It showed the team’s unity with Rink during a difficult personal time.
Even though he was not in the starting line-up, Rinku’s presence meant everything to Gambhir and the team.
The men in blue now set their sights on the semi-finals where they will face Harry Brook’s England for a place in the final.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 3, 2026 3:01 PM IST
