Defending champions India received devastating news just days before their pivotal Super 8 fixture. Rinku Singh, the reliable finisher, has left the team camp in Chennai to be with his father, who is critically ill with advanced liver cancer and on ventilator support in Uttar Pradesh.
The 26-year-old skipped Tuesday’s nets and boarded a flight home, jeopardizing his spot in the lineup for the must-win game against Zimbabwe on February 26 at Ahmedabad. Rinku’s tournament haul of 24 runs underscores his role as a late-order specialist and agile fielder, and his gap will test India’s depth.
The South Africa defeat still stings—chasing 188, India folded for 111 as Miller’s 63 off 35 dismantled their chase. Now, with two wins needed for semifinal progression, changes loom: Sanju Samson eyes a start, while Axar Patel might edge out Washington Sundar.
Rinku’s absence disrupts a well-oiled unit, but India’s bench strength offers hope. Fans are united in support for Rinku’s family during this ordeal. As the hosts navigate this setback, their campaign’s fate rests on collective resolve and strategic tweaks to keep the trophy defense alive.