India’s T20 World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by personal tragedy after Rinku Singh lost his father in the midst of the tournament. With India closing in on a place in the semi-finals, the 28-year-old left-handed batter received the devastating news that his father, Khanchand Singh, had passed away in the early hours of Friday (27 February) at a hospital in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The news was publicly confirmed by former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in a message posted on his official X account. Expressing deep sorrow, Harbhajan praised Rinku’s professionalism and commitment to national duty during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite the distressing circumstances at home.
“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.”
A Prolonged Illness
Khanchand Singh had been admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on 21 February after his condition deteriorated significantly. According to hospital spokesperson Dr Sunil Kumar, he had been battling liver cancer and was placed on ventilator support in his final days.
Medical staff indicated that his health declined sharply over the past week despite sustained treatment. He passed away in the early hours of Friday morning.
Rinku had earlier left India’s World Cup squad on 24 February to return to his hometown of Aligarh upon learning of his father’s critical state. Demonstrating considerable emotional resilience, he later rejoined the national side ahead of their fixture against Zimbabwe. Within days of his brief return home, however, he suffered the loss of his father.
Rinku’s former coach, Masood Amini, told reporters in Aligarh that Khanchand Singh had been unwell for a prolonged period. “He had liver cancer and had been on a ventilator for the last three to four days,” Amini said, highlighting the severity of his condition in the final phase.
A Father’s Enduring Sacrifice
Hailing from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, Rinku Singh has often acknowledged the sacrifices made by his father in shaping his cricketing journey. Khanchand Singh worked as a gas cylinder delivery man, shouldering demanding physical labour to provide for his family amid financial hardship.
Friends and acquaintances describe him as a determined and selfless parent who placed his children’s aspirations above his own comfort. It was through his steadfast support that Rinku was able to pursue competitive cricket, eventually progressing through domestic ranks to earn selection for India at international level.
For Rinku, his rise from modest beginnings to representing the nation has long been intertwined with his father’s unwavering encouragement. Those close to the family say that Khanchand Singh took immense pride in his son’s achievements on the global stage.
Key Details
| 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.