In a heartbreaking turn of events, the father of Indian cricketer Rinku Singh, Khan Chand Singh, breathed his last on Friday morning in Greater Noida. He had been fighting a prolonged battle with stage four liver cancer, which had deteriorated his health rapidly in recent days.
Admitted to Yatharth Hospital on February 21 when his condition worsened critically, Khan Chand was placed on ventilator support. Hospital sources confirmed his passing at approximately 4:36 AM, sending shockwaves through the family. By 5 AM, the news was officially verified, and the family took his mortal remains home amid profound grief.
Rinku, who was in Chennai practicing with the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, rushed back home upon learning of his father’s critical state. After attending to family matters, he rejoined the team on February 25. The following day, during the Super-8 match against Zimbabwe, Rinku served as a substitute player, not featuring in the playing XI.
Hailing from a modest background, Khan Chand worked delivering gas cylinders, often with his five sons assisting by carrying two cylinders on a bike to homes and hotels. The family’s financial struggles were immense, yet they supported Rinku’s cricket dreams. Neighborhood friends pooled money to buy balls for practice, highlighting the sacrifices made.
Today, Rinku stands as a prominent figure in Indian cricket, but his success is deeply rooted in his father’s unwavering support and hardships. The cricketing fraternity and fans mourn this irreplaceable loss, offering condolences to the grieving family.