India batter Rinku Singh suffered a heartbreaking personal loss during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, as his father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday after a prolonged battle with stage four liver cancer. The 28-year-old cricketer, who has been part of India’s squad in the Super 8 stage, rushed back home to be with his family after receiving the tragic news.

Khanchand had been undergoing treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. His condition deteriorated earlier this week, and he was placed on ventilator support while receiving continuous renal therapy.

Despite intensive medical care, he breathed his last on February 27.

The unfortunate development came just a day after Rinku returned to Chennai to rejoin the Indian team for their must-win Super 8 match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Earlier, when his father’s health worsened, Rinku had travelled home to visit him in the hospital.

Although he was not included in the playing XI against Zimbabwe, with Sanju Samson preferred in the reshuffled combination, Rinku remained involved with the squad.

He took the field as a substitute fielder during the match.

India went on to defeat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. However, shortly after the match, Rinku was informed of his father’s passing and immediately left the team camp to travel to Aligarh to be with his family.

Rinku's father played an instrumental role in his son's cricketing career.

Working as an LPG cylinder deliveryman in Aligarh, he battled financial constraints but ensured his son received every possible opportunity to pursue the sport. Rinku has often spoken about his father’s sacrifices and belief in his talent. 

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his condolences on social media, calling it an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family.

He offered heartfelt prayers and strength to the family.