In a shocking turn of events for Team India, star finisher Rinku Singh has abruptly departed from the T20 World Cup camp in Chennai. The middle-order batter flew back to Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday amid a family medical crisis, leaving the defending champions in a precarious position ahead of crucial Super 8 clashes.
Reports confirm that Rinku’s father has been diagnosed with stage four liver cancer and is currently battling for life on a ventilator in a local hospital. The gravity of the situation forced Rinku to skip the team’s practice session and rush home, casting doubts over his availability for India’s do-or-die encounter against Zimbabwe on February 26 in Ahmedabad.
Rinku has been a pivotal player in India’s campaign so far, featuring in every match and scoring 24 runs while excelling as a finisher and sharp fielder. His absence could disrupt the team’s balance, especially in the death overs where his composure under pressure has been invaluable.
The recent Super 8 loss to South Africa exposed vulnerabilities, with India collapsing to 111 while chasing 188. David Miller’s explosive 63 off 35 balls powered South Africa to 187/7, highlighting the hosts’ batting woes. Now, with Rinku sidelined, selectors are likely to turn to Sanju Samson for the Zimbabwe game.
India’s semifinal hopes hang by a thread. They must win both remaining Super 8 matches, starting with Zimbabwe. Axar Patel could make a comeback, potentially replacing Washington Sundar to bolster the spin attack. As the nation rallies behind Rinku and his family, Team India faces its toughest test yet without one of its key cogs.