Shockwaves hit Indian cricket as Rinku Singh’s father Khanchand Singh lost his battle with liver cancer on Friday morning. The 55-year-old, hospitalized since February 21 at Yatharth Super Speciality in Greater Noida, was on ventilator when he passed at 4:36 AM, marking a somber end to his fight.
UPCA Secretary Prem Manohar Gupta led the tributes, describing the event as ‘profoundly sad and untimely.’ Sharing thoughts, he said, ‘Not much age, yet cancer took him. God bless his soul and empower the family. UPCA stands united with them.’ He anticipated Rinku’s resilience, given the athlete’s mental steel, and planned attendance at memorial events despite no prior contact.
The tragedy strikes as Rinku’s life peaks: wedding on the horizon, confirmed for ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He had briefly left the Chennai team camp Thursday for Noida before returning, unused against Zimbabwe.
BCCI’s Devjit Saikia extended heartfelt condolences, capturing the board’s solidarity. Beyond the field, this underscores parental sacrifices in Rinku’s path to stardom, from street cricket to IPL heroics. As messages of condolence multiply, Rinku’s journey forward symbolizes hope amid heartache.