The Indian cricket community is in mourning following the sudden death of Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, from liver cancer at a Noida hospital. The incident unfolded on Friday at 4:36 AM after days on a ventilator at Greater Noyda’s Yatharth Hospital, where he was rushed on February 21 amid worsening symptoms.
Reacting swiftly, UPCA chief Prem Manohar Gupta labeled it a ‘devastating blow at a relatively young age.’ He invoked blessings for the departed soul and fortitude for the bereaved, pledging association-wide support. Gupta noted the contrast with family celebrations—Rinku’s fixed marriage and T20 World Cup 2026 spot—saying, ‘This irreparable void comes at a joyful time, but Rinku’s sporting mindset will aid recovery. We’ll meet at the rituals.’
Rinku prioritized family, flying in from Chennai pre-Zimbabwe T20I on Thursday, though he sat out the game. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia offered official sympathies, reinforcing institutional backing.
Khanchand’s story resonates as the unsung hero fueling Rinku’s ascent, from Uttar Pradesh domestic cricket to T20 fame with his famous five sixes. This loss tests the family’s resolve as Rinku balances grief with national duties, inspiring an outpouring of support from across the cricketing spectrum.