Watch: Heartbreaking news!! Star India player's father passes away during T20 World Cup 2026

Ahead of their do-or-die clash of the Super 8 stage from the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against West Indies at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, the team has received heartbreaking news as the lower-order batter Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, died on February 27 due to stage four cancer. The update was provided by the former Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh. 

Earlier this week, Rinku Singh’s father’s condition worsened, and he had to be put on the ventilator support as the all-rounder’s father was undergoing treatment at the Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. This prompted the 28-year-old to fly back home to see his father ahead of their Super 8 stage against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

See Also: How can India qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals after their 72-run win vs Zimbabwe in Super 8s?

“We received the news regarding the death of Rinku's father. He was battling cancer and was admitted to the hospital. He has been on a ventilator for the last 3-4 days. He worked really hard to help his son Rinku play cricket reach where he is today. His father worked as a gas hawker, and today his son is playing for India. It is very sad news.” Rinku’s former coach, Masood Amin, expressed in the video.

Rinku Singh’s father passes away ahead of IND vs WI T20 WC 2026

Rinku Singh’s father played a very crucial role in his son’s journey to professional cricket. Working as an LPG cylinder deliveryman in Aligarh, he faced several financial hardships but never let them stand in the way of his son’s dream. He did everything to support Rinku’s ambition of becoming a successful cricketer.

Watch the video here: 

Rinku has struggled in this World Cup with scores of 06, 01, 11*, 6*, and a duck. The left-handed batter was dropped during their Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe as the Indian side posted a massive score of 256/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe got restricted to 184 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs as their opening batter, Brian Bennett, remained unbeaten on 97 runs. The winner of the last Super 8 game between India and the West Indies will reach the semifinals.