In a heartbreaking turn of events, the father of Indian cricket sensation Rinku Singh, Khanchand Singh, breathed his last on Friday morning after a prolonged battle with liver cancer. The news has cast a pall of grief over the cricketing fraternity, with former India stars Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh leading the tributes.
Yuvraj took to X to express his sorrow, posting, ‘Hearing about Rinku’s father’s passing has broken my heart. In such moments, no words seem enough. We stand with you and your family in this tough time. May the love around you give you strength and courage.’
Harbhajan echoed similar sentiments, writing, ‘Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh. This is a very difficult time for Rinku and his family, even as he remains committed to his duties during the T20 World Cup. My heartfelt prayers are with him and his loved ones. Waheguru grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the grieving family.’
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rinku’s IPL franchise, also extended their condolences on X: ‘We extend our deepest sympathies to Rinku Singh and his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.’
Khanchand Singh passed away at 4:36 AM at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where he had been receiving treatment. Rinku, who is part of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, rushed back home to attend his father’s last rites.
Just a day prior, on Thursday, Rinku had visited his ailing father in Noida before heading to Chennai for India’s match against Zimbabwe. Although he rejoined the team, he was not included in the playing XI for that game.
Rinku hails from a modest background in Uttar Pradesh. His family of five brothers struggled financially, with Khanchand working as a cylinder delivery man. Despite the hardships, it was his father’s unwavering support that fueled Rinku’s dream to become a professional cricketer. From local grounds to international stardom, Rinku’s journey is a testament to resilience and paternal inspiration.
As the cricket world rallies around Rinku, fans and players alike hope he finds the fortitude to continue shining on the field while grieving his irreplaceable loss. The incident underscores the personal sacrifices athletes make, blending family tragedies with professional commitments.