Rinku Singh to rejoin Team India ahead of Zimbabwe Clash? Sitanshu Kotak gives Fresh Update

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India's middle-order batter Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the national team camp in Chennai on Wednesday evening, ahead of their crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

The development comes after Rinku had to briefly leave the squad due to a family emergency. The left-hander rushed home on Tuesday to attend to his ailing father, Khanchand Singh, who is reportedly in serious condition and admitted to a hospital in the NCR region. This led to his absence from India's training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, sparking concerns about his availability for Thursday's must-win encounter against Zimbabwe.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided the update during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. He confirmed Rinku's return while addressing the media.

"Rinku Singh is joining the team this evening, he went back home because his father is not well," Kotak said.

"His father wasn't well so he went back and I think he is coming back today evening. So, hopefully he will be back today evening," he added.

Rinku's presence will be a boost for the Indian side, especially as they look to bounce back from a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa. The finisher has had modest returns in the tournament so far, scoring 11 against Pakistan, 1 against Namibia, 6 against the USA, a duck against South Africa, and 6 against the Netherlands. His finishing abilities and fielding contributions remain valuable assets for the team in this high-stakes phase.

With Rinku expected back in camp tonight, India can focus on preparations for the do-or-die game at Chepauk, where a strong performance will be key to advancing further in the tournament. The team management will also weigh potential lineup tweaks, including discussions around Sanju Samson's inclusion.

Apart from that, Sanju Samson is poised to make a return to the Playing 11 after a lean patch from Abhishek Sharma. The Indian management wants Samson in to compensate the abundance of southpaws in the team.