Rinku Singh to rejoin Indian team in Kolkata for T20 World Cup after father's death, last rites: Report

After health complications, Rinku’s father Khanchand Singh passed away in a Greater Noida hospital on Friday morning after succumbing to stage four cancer. He was subsequently returned to Aligarh, where ANI reported that a large congregation attended his cremation as Rinku underwent the ritual processes in his hometown.

Earlier this week, Rinku Singh had travelled from Ahmedabad, where India opened their Super Eight proceedings against South Africa, to Greater Noida, where his father was admitted to a hospital. He subsequently made the trip to Chennai, where India beat Zimbabwe, but was forced to rush back to Uttar Pradesh following the tragic news.

Rinku and his family earned well-wishes from all quarters following the tragic news, from administrators and leaders within Indian cricket as well as a mentor of Rinku’s in Virat Kohli, amongst many others. Kohli has his own story of turning to cricket while grieving his father as a young man, and will undoubtedly will be a pillar of support for his younger teammate as he battles through this difficult time.

Rinku was present in Chennai and spotted during warm-ups and in the dugout during India’s dominant victory over Zimbabwe at Chepauk. However, he lost his place in the team to Sanju Samson as India opted for extra top-order resilience given the struggling batting unit.

Whether coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav opt to turn back to Rinku as he heads to the venue where he plays his IPL cricket for Kolkata Knight Riders remains to be seen. India must win in their final Super Eight game to progress to the semifinals – a loss would see West Indies progress in their stead.

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