What Happened To Rinku Singh Father? Family Emergency Forces Batter To Leave T20 World Cup Squad

Rinku Singh has departed India's T20 World Cup 2026 camp following a personal emergency, casting uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe in Chennai. The middle‐order batter left after learning that his father, Khanchand Singh, is critically ill with stage 4 liver cancer and is currently on ventilator support in Greater Noida.

India, already under pressure after a heavy defeat to South Africa, face a must‐win situation in their remaining two Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies. Even victories may not guarantee a semi‐final berth, with net run‐rate and other results likely to play a decisive role. 

According to reports, Rinku travelled with the team to Chennai but did not attend training. News agency PTI quoted a source saying,“Rinku Singh has flown back home from Chennai due to a family emergency. He did not join India's practice session at the Chepauk.” NDTV further reported that his father is admitted to hospital in serious condition.

Rinku has endured a difficult campaign so far, scoring just 18 runs in four innings. His duck in the 76‐run loss to South Africa highlighted India's batting woes. Despite his reputation as a reliable finisher, he has not been able to make an impact in this edition of the tournament.

Overall, Rinku has played 45 T20Is for India, scoring 665 runs at a strike rate of 155.73. His absence now leaves India with fewer options in the lower middle‐order, a department already under scrutiny after the collapse against South Africa.

India's uphill task

India's net run‐rate took a significant hit in Ahmedabad, making their qualification scenario more complicated. With West Indies thrashing Zimbabwe earlier, the defending champions face a tough challenge to secure big wins in their remaining fixtures. The uncertainty around Rinku's availability adds to the team's concerns at a crucial stage of the competition.

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