Rinku Singh has made his way back to the Indian camp in Kolkata, gearing up for a vital Super 8 T20 World Cup match against the West Indies on Sunday. His return comes just a day after he had to leave the team due to the passing of his father, Khanchand, who succumbed to liver cancer. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Rinku’s return, stating, “Rinku Singh will join the team tomorrow in Kolkata,” in a comment to IANS.
The young left-hander had left Chennai early in the morning to attend his father’s last rites in New Delhi. Khanchand had been hospitalized at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida since February 21, and after a significant decline in his health, he was placed on ventilator support before passing away early Friday.
Previously, Rinku had been at his father’s side during this difficult time but returned to the squad ahead of India’s match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday. However, he did not make it to the playing eleven, with Sanju Samson taking the spot to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Prem Manohar Gupta, the chief of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), expressed his condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened by Rinku Singh’s loss. The family had just begun to experience joy, especially with Rinku’s wedding recently being arranged. This loss feels even more profound at such a time. The entire UPCA stands in solidarity with Rinku and his family.”
BCCI president Mithun Manhas also shared his heartfelt sympathies, expressing sorrow over the loss and wishing Rinku strength during this tough time.
As a last-minute addition to the World Cup squad, Rinku has struggled to find his form, having scored only 24 runs across five innings, including a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India, the defending champions, face a crucial match against the West Indies on Sunday, where the winner will secure a spot in the semi-finals alongside South Africa from Group 1.