A major blow for Team India as their star batter Rinku Singh returned home because of family reasons. As per the latest reports, Rinku's father, Khanchand Singh, is in critical condition and is currently admitted to a hospital.

In this emergency situation, the batter has decided to support his family. He reached Chennai on February 23, a day after the South Africa match, but missed the practice season. India Today informed that the left-hander left Chennai early on Tuesday morning to attend to his father, who is on life support in a hospital in Greater Noida.

 India will face Zimbabwe in a must-win match on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for their second match of the Super 8 of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. As of now, Rinku is unlikely to play the match. If, the batter remains unavailable for the upcoming match, the Indian team management can put Axar Patel straightaway into their playing combination.

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Axar Patel can replace Rinku Singh for IND vs ZIM Super 8 match 

Axar Patel, the vice-captain of India's T20I team, was sidelined in the previous match to make way for Washington Sundar. India suffered a heavy defeat in their first match of Super 8 as the Proteas humbled the Suryakumar Yadav-led side by 76 runs.

Zimbabwe, which shockingly outclassed Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage, was brutally defeated by the West Indies. On February 26, like India, the Chevrons too will try their best to remain in the title race.

On paper, India is the clear favorite to get a win in Chennai. But they will make a massive mistake if they take Zimbabwe lightly as the Chevrons can be very tricky under the leadership of Sikandar Raza.