Rinku Singh's father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on February 27, 2026, after battling stage 4 liver cancer. The Indian cricketer performed the last rites in Aligarh before rejoining the national team in Kolkata for the T20 World Cup Super 8s match against West Indies. Teammates including Virat Kohli offered condolences amid the tragedy.
Khanchand Singh, father of Indian cricketer Rinku Singh, died early on February 27, 2026, at the age of 54, following a prolonged fight with stage 4 liver cancer. He had been admitted to Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida on February 21, where his condition deteriorated, leading to ventilator support. Dr. Sunil Kumar from the hospital stated, “His condition had deteriorated significantly in recent days... He was placed on ventilator support and breathed his last early this morning.”
Rinku Singh, currently part of India's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, attended his father's last rites in Aligarh, where he was visibly emotional while helping carry the body. Social media captured the moment, with a post noting, “Tears in the eyes, father’s bier on the shoulders… The news of the demise of cricketer Rinku Singh’s father is extremely heartbreaking. In this difficult time, the entire nation’s sympathies are with Rinku and his family.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Rinku will rejoin the team in Kolkata on February 28 for India's final Super 8s fixture against West Indies at Eden Gardens. This virtual knockout match is crucial for India's progression.
The Indian cricket fraternity rallied in support. Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt message: “Deeply saddened by the news of Rinku’s father’s demise. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you always find strength in his eternal blessings. Om Shanti.” Yuvraj Singh and other stars also offered condolences.
Adding to the poignancy, Rinku is engaged to Priya Saroj, a 27-year-old Member of Parliament, with their wedding scheduled for June 2026. The couple got engaged on June 8, 2025, but the event was postponed due to Rinku's cricket commitments.
