Amidst personal tragedy, Rinku Singh exemplifies unwavering professionalism by joining India’s T20 World Cup squad in Kolkata on Saturday. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia informed IANS that the all-rounder will be available despite his father Khan Chand Singh’s demise from liver cancer early Friday.
The veteran’s health had rapidly declined, prompting admission to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21. Ventilator-bound till the end, his passing leaves a void. Rinku, departing Chennai at 5 AM for funeral duties, balances grief with duty ahead of Sunday’s pivotal West Indies showdown.
Condolences resonate across boards. UPCA’s Prem Manohar Gupta shared, ‘Heart wrenching news of Rinku’s father’s death. Fresh off engagement joys, this sorrow is unbearable. UPCA pledges full support.’ BCCI President Mithun Manhas posted on X, ‘Shattered by Rinku Singh’s loss. My heartfelt condolences; may divine strength prevail.’
Rinku’s tournament stats reflect challenges: a meager 24 runs from five innings, excluded from the Zimbabwe win where Samson featured. India, after stumbling against South Africa, roared back with a 72-run demolition of Zimbabwe in Super-8.
The West Indies fixture is non-negotiable for semi-final progression. Captain Surya’s troops eye redemption. Rinku’s resilience—forged in adversity—might just spark the fire, turning personal pain into collective victory in this global spectacle.