Rinku Singh Leaves T20 World Cup After Father’s Death

India’s dressing room fell silent this week. News of Rinku Singh father death reached the camp, and the 28-year-old immediately packed his bags to return home.

Team sources confirmed that Rinku left during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, cutting short his stint in the middle of the Super Eight stage. He had rejoined the squad before the Zimbabwe clash in Chennai but did not make the playing XI.

India, meanwhile, crushed Zimbabwe by 72 runs. The win keeps their semi-final hopes alive, with a decisive fixture against the West Indies looming in Kolkata. Yet the mood around the group has shifted.

A Difficult Campaign On and Off the Field

On the field, this ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has not been kind to Rinku. Scores of 6, 1, 11 not out and 6 not out in the group stage told a story of missed timing and mounting pressure. In Ahmedabad against South Africa, he could play just two balls before walking back.

Off the field, the situation was far more serious. His father, Khanchand Singh, had been battling stage 4 liver cancer and was admitted to a hospital in Greater Noida after his condition worsened. He passed away on Friday morning.

Tributes flowed in quickly. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh shared a heartfelt message, calling it a painful time for the young cricketer and his family.

Rinku Singh’s rise from humble beginnings to the national side has often inspired fans. Now, the same supporters are sending strength his way, hoping he finds peace beyond the boundary ropes.