Will Rinku Singh rejoin Team India after Father's Death? BCCI secretary gives Latest Update

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Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the national team for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, just a day after the heartbreaking loss of his father. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed his imminent return, highlighting the young player's dedication despite profound grief.

Rinku Singh's father, Khanchand Singh, passed away late on Thursday night after battling liver cancer. The 28-year-old left-handed batsman from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, had been quietly managing his father's serious illness throughout the tournament.

Khanchand, who worked in gas cylinder distribution and faced financial challenges, had long been Rinku's biggest supporter. He had been admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida and was on ventilator support before succumbing in the early hours of Friday.

Upon receiving the news, Rinku departed Chennai at 5:00 AM on Friday to attend the final rites in New Delhi. This brief absence followed an earlier visit to his ailing father earlier in the tournament. He did not feature in India's recent match against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Sanju Samson opened the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma.BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the situation with empathy and clarity.

"Rinku Singh will join the team tomorrow in Kolkata," he confirmed. Speaking on behalf of the board, Saikia offered heartfelt condolences.

"On behalf of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rinku Singh and his family," he added.

These words reflect the BCCI's support during this difficult time while recognizing Rinku's determination to return to international duty. The left-hander, added to the squad shortly before the tournament, has so far scored 24 runs in five innings, including a duck against South Africa.

Known for his fearless finishing in domestic cricket and the IPL, Rinku has carried the weight of both World Cup expectations and personal sorrow. The Indian cricket community has rallied around him, with messages of support pouring in from across the sport.

His journey, from humble beginnings to representing the nation, has been deeply inspiring, and his late father's final encouragement to fulfill his responsibilities has clearly guided his decision to rejoin the team. India now faces a high-stakes Super 8 encounter against West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday, a match that could secure their place in the semifinals alongside South Africa from Group 1.