New Delhi: The father of cricketer Rinku Singh passed away on Friday due to stage four cancer. This update was provided by former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who sent his “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to the entire family.
Khanchand Singh was undergoing treatment at the Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. However, earlier this week, his condition worsened, and he had to be put on ventilator support. The all-rounder’s father had been unwell for some time, prompting him to leave the camp ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against Zimbabwe at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The 28-year-old did return in time for the contest, but was not in the playing XI, as Sanju Samson was called in to strengthen the top order.
Rinku remains committed to his responsibilities during the T20 World Cup, and he know
s that the time is truly tough for the entire family, Harbhajan posted on social media, as reported by Hindustan Times.
“Pained to learn about the demise of Shri Khanchand Singh Ji, father of Rinku Singh. This must be an especially difficult time for Rinku and his family, even as he remains committed to his responsibilities during the T20 World Cup,” Harbhajan wrote on X.
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to the bereaved family,” he added.
The cricketer’s father played an instrumental role in shaping his career. Khanchand Singh used to work as an LPG cylinder delivery man in Aligarh. However, despite the financial challenges, he ensured that Rinku got everything possible to make it big as a cricketer.
Rinku had gifted his father a Kawasaki Ninja bike worth Rs 3.19 lakh last year.
With the tragedy unfolding, Rinku will not be available for the crucial match against the West Indies on Sunday. While Rinku might not have featured in the playing XI for the match against Zimbabwe, he was seen on the field as a substitute fielder for Suryakumar Yadav at first, and he then for Abhishek Sharma.